By Contributing Writer
The event brought together citizens from both countries to reflect on the importance of peace, cross-border connectivity, sustainable development, and the shared history both countries enjoy.
BAMBALA, Grand Cape Mount – In observance of International Day of Peace, the Government of Liberia, through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP), with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, joined efforts with the Government of Sierra Leone to celebrate the day on Friday, September 19, 2025.
The event brought together citizens from both countries to reflect on the importance of peace, cross-border connectivity, sustainable development, and the shared history both countries enjoy.
The ceremony took place in Bambala, Porkpa District, Grand Cape Mount County, and featured speeches from women, youth leaders, local authorities, international partners, and representatives of the Mano River Union (MRU) from both countries.
Giving the event’s overview, Liberia’s National Peace Ambassador, Eric Quaqua, emphasized the significance of observing the International Day of Peace. He noted that since the end of the country’s civil crisis, Liberia has successfully maintained and sustained peace for several years.
He highlighted that the celebration is important because it brings together citizens across towns, communities, and counties to hold dialogues on how best to preserve peace and address the challenges facing the nation.
Tying it to the regional context, Quaqua explained that marking the day in collaboration with counterparts in Sierra Leone reflects the shared history of both countries and their long-standing struggle for peace and cooperation. As a member of the Mano River Union (MRU), Liberia’s solidarity with neighboring countries, especially those with which it shares borders, remains essential.
Reflecting on the project’s aim, he disclosed that the initiative is intended to strengthen social cohesion, improve border management, enhance local governance, and promote climate-smart agriculture within the Gola Forest landscape. These efforts, he said, will help reduce the risk of conflict and build economic resilience between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of women, Mamu Passawee, Township Commissioner for Boi Waterside, emphasized the significant progress women have made to maintain peace in Liberia and the MRU region. According to her, being in a country where women are marginalized is very difficult; however, with the beginning of peace, women are no longer being hunted or threatened.
She went on to call on all women to continue holding on to the peace that the country is currently enjoying, noting that despite progress, challenges still remain. With the support of local government and international partners, she said, women are proud to represent the country on the international stage.
For his part, the Youth Coordinator for Kpokpa District, Augustin Tengba, reflected on Liberia’s 14-year civil crisis, stressing that young people have often been seen as both the driving force behind violence and the backbone of peacebuilding in Liberia. He recounted that it is time for that narrative to change.
Tengba emphasized that youth inclusion is key to sustaining peace, making a strong call for youth involvement in decision-making. He underscored that if young people are included in critical decision-making processes, it will help maintain the peace.
“When peace is disturbed, you damage the future. Let’s work with elders, NGOs, local authorities, and partners to preserve peace. Without peace, there will be no development,” he said.
At the same time, Robert Banamwana, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sierra Leone, represented the UN Resident Coordinator. He reminded attendees of the fragile but vital nature of peace.
Banamwana commended both nations for their ongoing partnership, acknowledging the countries’ shared history and the dedication shown by both governments and communities in keeping peace alive.
“Why do we want to rest in peace if we can’t live in peace?” he asked. “It is important to prevent violence before it starts. Peace is needed in every corner of one’s life,” he added.
The Sierra Leonean representative went on to challenge youth and leaders alike to step forward, noting that while there are many opportunities, it is time to stop waiting and start leading. “Let’s take that commitment seriously and rise beyond the odds,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, representing the UN in Liberia, Serge Lernaud Program Coordinator\ Officer in Charge of IOM in Liberia acknowledged Liberia and Sierra Leone for their long-standing relationship. He noted that peace is more than just a political or diplomatic goal—it is a personal and practical effort that starts with how people treat one another, with kindness, honesty, and inclusion.
Lernaud paid special tribute to the women of both countries, referring to them as the champions of peace. “Our mothers, sisters, and daughters are the ones holding us together,” he said. “Their role is not secondary; they are leading from the frontlines of our communities.”
He further called for stronger partnerships and the need to combat misinformation and ensure that every voice is included in peacebuilding efforts. “Where there is peace, there is education and there is growth.”
He made special recognition of the people of Bambala, saying, “We see your efforts, and we thank you for each step you’ve taken toward peace.”
The gathering marked yet another chapter in regional efforts to strengthen post-conflict recovery and ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Speaking on behalf of the Mano River Union Secretary General Ambassador Simeon Moribah, Christian Jallah Head of the MRU office in Liberia emphasized that peace is not about the silence of guns; instead, it is the fight for justice, equality, reconciliation, and the opportunity for every person to live with dignity, free from fear and want.
Jallah further disclosed that peace helps transform individual differences into dialogue, challenges into opportunities, and borders into bridges of cooperation. According to him, youth play a vital role in peacebuilding, and within the MRU, after several years of war, approximately 7.5% or more of the population remains in poverty.
With this reality, drugs and violence have become the order of the day. It is therefore important to engage the youthful population by involving them in meaningful participation. Jallah went on to highlight five major pillars that have been identified for youth inclusion: Participation, Protection, Prevention, Partnership, and Disengagement and Reintegration.
He continued with the call for peace in the MRU, highlighting Liberia’s struggle for peace with perspective on the Gola Forest Project as a powerful reminder that cooperation across borders is important. Despite challenges such as drugs, unemployment, climate change, health crises, and artificial intelligence, he stressed the need for collaboration.
The International Day of Peace is widely celebrated each year of September 21 and was first established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly to reinforce the ideals of peace worldwide. In 2001, the UN further designated the day as a period devoted to promoting a global ceasefire and non-violence, while encouraging dialogue, conflict resolution, and commitment to a culture of peace.
Source:https: //frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-sierra-leone-celebrate-international-day-of-peace-under-the-theme-act-now-for-a-peaceful-world/#google_vignette