STAKEHOLDERS SYMPOSIUM ON POPULAR PARTICIPATION IN THE LIBERIA PEACE PROCESS
DECEMBER 8-9, 2005
GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY

COMMUNIQUE

In continuation of efforts by the larger Liberian society to find lasting solution to the conflict that has persisted in Liberia over the last 15 years, Liberians of diverse background from the counties of Gbarpolu, Lofa, Bong and Nimba converged in Ganta, Nimba County from 8 - 9 December, 2005 to discuss the popular participation in the Liberia peace process;

Meeting under the auspices of the Liberia Media Project and inspired by the clause: “Working for Transformation of conflict through Dialogue”, the stakeholders reviewed the role of partners of the Liberia Media Project, the implementation of the Peace Agreements, and Ethnicity, Repatriation and Resettlement in the Face of Elections in Liberia;

The symposium also recalled the consequences of the Disarmament process and its various components, especially the RR components, which have provided a framework for the acceptance of former combatants into the communities, Activities in Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea and their repercussion for continued peace in Liberia, The Future of Justice, Truth and Reconciliation and the Culture of Impunity, and Good Governance and the prospect for international cooperation with the incoming Government were issues discussed highly; and

We are specifically drawn to issues that cause conflict in the first place, as well as challenges that have affected our effort to resolve conflicts within our localities; and

We are aware that it is only by our concerted and popular participation and consultations that we would be in the position to ensure peace and tranquility in Liberia; and

Having observed that the resolution of conflicts inherent in the issues being considered would reduce the tension among us, and provide us the opportunity to move ahead in peace; and

Mindful that this process should include people from all backgrounds, including women groups, the media, various tribal groups, ex-combatants, youths, religious leaders in order to get the fullest involvement of all; and

Further noting that the more we recognize our role, and participate fully in national decision-making, the issues would be better understood, and we would be closer to a lasting solution; and

Now therefore, in furtherance of the concerns raised by us, individually and collectively, during the two days of our deliberations, we herewith make the following recommendations that would guide us, sustain the peace process, and ensure that the peace process goes ahead without failure:

1) To The Government of Liberia:

We urge you to be cognizant of all of the efforts made thus far in sustaining nascent stability, and considering the intents upon which the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, and their accompanying annexes and policies were set-up. Accordingly, we:

• recommend that the incoming government includes good and competent people from other political parties, in order to make the government one of national inclusion;
• Justice, peace, unity and reality are the four pillars that would take Liberia forward. This would entail the improvement of human rights records, the equitable distribution of the national wealth, through the development of programs aimed at alleviating poverty, economic empowerment, the erasure of nepotism, the empowerment of women, as well as the provision of training for ex-combatants and war affected persons and the increment of salaries for government functionaries;
• the incoming government should be more disposed to public opinion; This will be cemented when elected officials visit their constituencies regularly in fostering reconciliation and unity;
• The powers of the president should be reduced gradually, beginning from the first year of this new administration; This would be reflected when the new government permits outstanding issues in the CPA to be continued, despite the constitutional rule. First choice of this is expected with the acceptance of guidance from the UN and international community, especially in the formation of the new national army and the implementation of the GEMAP;
• Locals should be empowered to help in the security reform process; including playing a closer role in monitoring the borders, to curb further arms trafficking; and
• The putting into place of a good and credible legal system to ensure justice for all.

2) To The International Community:

We encourage you to work with the Government of Liberia to ensure the fullest adherence to the rules of reconciliation, good governance so as to avoid the renewal of conflict.

We also plead with you to make the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR) process fully complete, especially the components of rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Varying accounts of why the disarmament was incomplete, and a need to find a way out;
• Hope the UN and international community will continuously guide the formation of the new national army and the implementation of the GEMAP;
• The disarmament process has been a UN-only arrangement; need to move beyond that stage, to include all other stakeholders and partners
• Participants want a clarification between hidden arms and “remaining arms”; especially as some areas were not accessed, thus the people do not believe the arms were hidden;
• A closer monitoring of the borders, to curb further arms trafficking;
• The governments and people of neighboring Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire should halt the trafficking of arms in the region. This would reduce the tendency for increased conflict and war;
• Assist in bringing the aspirants together to enhance reconciliation after months of politicking.
• Encourage a government of inclusion that would be guided by competence.

3) To The Citizenry At Large:

We want to encourage grassroots participation, primarily women and children at the community level especially in the community arms collection exercise so as free the communities and villages of remaining arms and such that they can be part of the process of disseminating peace related information and encouraging dialogue.

Highlight reconciliation, the settlement of land disputes, the eradication of tribal hatred and religious intolerance as a way forward;

Properties be restored to the proper owners, as well as the respect for the cultural values of others. There were also calls for people to acknowledge the wrongs they have done to others, as well as for the ex-combatants to be accepted back in the society as their children;

Erase the dependency syndrome by taking upon self-help initiatives for community development;

Develop Elder Councils in tribal communities to constantly coordinate dialogue among community dwellers;

Aspirants be brought together to enhance reconciliation after months of politicking;

Traditional approach that would include inter-tribal marriage to bridge the culture of hate;

Traditional leaders were encouraged to play a greater role in tracking down situations that could break down in destabilization;

Locals should be empowered to help in the security reform process; This will be done by children in the community should help in pointing out hidden arms; and the community should expose friends and relatives who are refusing to cooperate in opening up their hidden arms;

Women should continue their advocacy for the surrender of arms in all the communities;

Sensitize one another to forget the past and think about the future of Liberia;

DONE IN THE CITY OF GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA ON FRIDAY, 9TH DECEMBER, 2005

CONTACT:

Liberia Media Project
E-mail: liberiamediaproject@yahoo.com
Tel: (+231)6-522-334; 6-558-791