IREDD Ends Border Security Training for Citizens

The Institute for Research and Democratic Development has ended a two-day training with citizens along the Liberian borders with Mano River Union Countries. The training, which took place in Gbarnga, Bong County, brought together participants from over four counties.

It focused on how citizens along the borders could help security institutions in the country, as UNMIL gradually draws down. IREDD’s Executive Director Harold Aidoo told our Bong County correspondent that with the many porous border points Liberia has with neighboring countries, citizens needed to be involved with security issues, adding that the training was part of a long-term engagement wherein his institution would strengthen the capacity of local community members and groups to keep taking ownership of their security, as well as fostering peace along their respective border communities.

Mr. Aidoo noted that the training, under what he referred to as the District Platform for Dialogue with support from the European Union, was essential to all. The IREDD Executive Director said plans were underway to make follow-ups on border communities to ensure adherence to the training, disclosing that his institution has been working with communities prior to the introduction of the project. He commended the European Union for the support.

By Papa Morris from Bong County -Edited by George Barpeen