By Lincoln G. Peters
The Women’s Situation Room (WSR) of the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security has admonished political parties’ youth leaders to safeguard the peace of the country.
On Thursday, 16 November 2023, the WSR invited the youth leaders to its office in Monrovia to discuss matters surrounding the peace of the country after the conduct of the 14 November 2023 run-off election.
Welcoming the participants, ABIC Establishment Coordinator and WSR Initiator Madam Vyette Chesson Wureh stated that the reason for calling the engagement meeting was because results will be coming out from the National Elections Commission (NEC).
She said when there is violence, the country’s peace will be undermined.
“You are the ones that are going to get hurt. Please remember that the peace of the country is important. We know what it means to be youth leaders, do not put your people at risk,” said Cllr. Wureh.
According to her, this is going to be a very close vote, but how the youth are going to manage their expectations is the point of discussion. She stated that someone is going to lose in the run-off election and they must consider the peace of the country.
Other Eminent Women in attendance at the engagement meeting were Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, Romel Horton, Ophelia Saytumah, and Korpo Howard.
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They expressed excitement for the presence of the youth at the courtesy call of the WSR, saying the first step to discuss issues is to converge.
At the same time, they stressed that it is important to safeguard the peace and it is in the course of the right direction to maintain the peace. They noted that where there is an issue of violence, the youth should reject it.
“Do not get involved in violence, try to be calmed, this is the only way your country will move forward. We must ensure that our country’s peace is maintained,” the Eminent Women pleaded with the young people.
They added that the international community is tired of coming to Liberia to solve Liberia’s crisis.
According to them, Liberia is not the only country of focus, urging Liberians to be peaceful.
“Thank you for showing up, and because you show up it means you are showing leadership. We have to take this nation seriously,” they noted.
“Talk to your friends, relatives, and neighbors. Please continue to uphold the peace of this country, and we look forward to seeing how we can work for the betterment of this nation,” they said.
During the discussion, Collins F. Tamba, Secretary General of the Unity Party Youth Congress, noted that it is also the responsibility of the Eminent Woman, National Elections Commission, and the Government of Liberia to uphold the peace as well.
He said the Unity Party will not accept rigged results.
“We cannot make a commitment to peace until the right things are done. We were intimidated during election day. We are seeing numbers coming out and nobody will tamper with the results and we accept it,” he told the gathering.
In remarks, the Secretary General of the Youth League of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change, Hassan Newland lauded the women of Liberia for the enormous sacrifices made for the Republic of Liberia.
He noted that their contributions will forever be remembered.
At the same time, he mentioned that the transformation of the country is the concern of every Liberian, adding that he has the responsibility to ensure that the country is peaceful for every Liberian including his daughter.
“Preserving the peace of the state is the concern of Liberians. From the CDC, we want to restate the words of President Weah: The CDC will be peaceful. We will allow the process to proceed. We can no longer return to the dark days. Whatever the election results will be, the CDC will be humble,” he said.
