Locals attend conflict resolution training in Bong

Training participants posed for a photograph before the Gbarnga Administration Building More than 100 community residents are currently benefiting from a three-day intensive training on conflict resolution in Gbarnga, Bong County.

The training, which is organized by the Mitigating Local Disputes in Liberia program, is aimed at building capacity of locals on conflict resolution and peace building. At the opening of the exercise this week, Bong County superintendent Selena Polson Mappy, urged participants to take the training seriously.

Madam Mappy said as UNMIL gradually draws down, Liberia’s security will soon be managed by Liberians themselves and as such, the training must be given a priority. She urged Liberian women to participate in security issues rather than sitting on the fence. For their part, UNMIL Chief of Team Marti Troy and Bong County coordinator Jonathan Roberts, lauded the participants for leaving their busy schedules to come for such important knowledge. They said as UNMIL gradually draws down, Liberians should shift their attention to activities that would maintain stability in Liberia. They stressed that keeping the peace here is very important to the growth of the country, terming the training as essential to the process.Edited by Jonathan Browne