By Lincoln G. Peters
The Women’s Situation Room (WSR) says President George Weah’s early concession speech actually stabilized peace in Liberia and the entire West Africa, terming it as a demonstration of statesmanship that worth emulation.
Officially releasing its observation report on the November 14, 2023, Presidential Runoff Election with critical recommendations for electoral integrity, non-interference and non-violence elections, the initiator of the Women’s Situation Room, and establishment Coordinator of the Angie Brooks International Center for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development International Peace and Security, Cllr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh said the action by President Weah is commendable.
“Furthermore, the WSR also thanks President George M. Weah for the timing of his concession speech that actually stabilized peace in Liberia and the entire Subregion. The WSR acknowledges that the action taken by the President is commendable, it shows statesmanship and is worthy of emulation. We hope that the example shown by the President will be replicated by other African leaders in pursuance of peace and tranquility”, Cllr. Chesson-Wureh urged.
The Women’s Situation Room is a peace-building mechanism for mitigation of conflict before, during and after elections in African countries. It mobilizes women in collaboration with youth to lobby and advocate stakeholders to support call for peaceful election.
The WSR is a non-partisan and neutral process that was initiated by the Women of Liberia in 2011 with technical support from the Angie Brooks International Center. The mechanism of the WSR has been acknowledged by the African Union and the United Nations Security Council, as a best practice in peace and security for replication in Africa.
On Monday, November 20, minutes after the National Elections Commission officially announced the results of the November 14, 2023, Presidential Runoff Election, declaring Unity Party Standard Bearer Joseph Nyumah Boakai President-elect of Liberia, the Women Situation Room held a press conference, congratulating Amb. Boakai and commending President Weah for the action taken.
The Eminent Women of the Women’s Situation Room of the Angie’s Brooks International Center for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development International Peace and Security also thanked all Liberians for going to a peaceful run-off election.
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According to WSR initiator, Cllr. Chesson-Wureh, they remain grateful to the people of Liberia for keeping the peace of the country.
She disclosed that there were challenges during this period that could have disrupted the peace and plunged the whole country into complete chaos, but it was prevented by the WSR and other peaceful and well-meaning Liberians.
At the same time, the WSR has congratulated President-elect, Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
“WSR of ABIC congratulates Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai for his victory in the just-ended Presidential elections. Above all, we applaud the Liberian people for their resolute commitment to a peaceful democratic electoral process in our country and for exercising their constitutional rights during these elections”, the group said. Editing by Jonathan Browne
