Peacebuilders
Liberia: Reconciliation and Coexistence
12 May 2010
Joan McGregor, one of RTC's Peace and Conflict Advisors, recently returned from working with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). We spoke to Joan about the situation in Liberia and RTC's work there.
"Liberia is a country currently in transition, with many different competing interests. Having recently emerged from eight years of civil war, there is a huge desire for peace and stability among the people. Liberia is a country with an abundance of natural resources such as minerals, trees, rubber, and fertile soils. Despite the affluent environment, the economy is devastated.
The Civil Affairs section of UNMIL are working closely with existing national and district peacebuilding structures; supporting them as they pave the way for lasting peace. UNMIL are currently ‘drawing down' (reducing in size and scope) because their term will end following the next elections in 2012. UNMIL are currently investing heavily in the people of Liberia by developing their capacity to work towards reconciliation and coexistence, which is a key feature of civil society during this critical time.
As part of this work, UNMIL asked RTC to provide training and support for civil society members to develop the confidence, skills, knowledge and the conceptual frameworks essential for proactive and effective work on reconciliation and coexistence.
The programme brought together thirty-one Civil Affairs Officers, International Experts and UN volunteers representing fifteen of Liberia's counties. During the programme participants identified the challenges they were currently facing, learnt to apply conflict analysis, and worked to develop strategic peacebuilding frameworks within their own situations. Participants also learnt about consensus-building, which is presently a large part of their work. They especially appreciated the importance of listening to minority groups because usually the voices of minorities are not heard and therefore not taken into account during this crucial time of rebuilding relationships in society."
"I learned a number of important approaches to resolving conflict and disputes that are applicable to the complex nature of our society. And believe me; I am going to apply them in settling a current land dispute in my county."
- Participant.
For RTC it has been an honour and privilege to support both UNMIL Civil Affairs and the people of Liberia in the quest for a sustainable peace for their country. RTC have gained some deeper insight into what a long journey lies ahead for the people of Liberia. It is essential that the people of Liberia continue to be supported in building the social fabric of this battle-torn society to prevent future outbreaks of violence.
