In the run up to presidential and legislative elections in Liberia, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations (UN) joined hands to promote peace, unity and inclusivity in the country.
A joint mission led by Prof Attahiru Muhammadu Jega - the Head of the ECOWAS Observer Mission to Liberia, and Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), visited Liberia ahead of the 10 October 2023 elections to engage with stakeholders and advocate for peace during the electoral period.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with political stakeholders, national institutions, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the UN Country Team. They acknowledged the strides made in the preparations for the elections, emphasizing the importance of conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive polls.
In response to recent incidents of electoral violence, notably the tragic events in Foya in Lofa County on 29 September, the delegation condemned such acts and called for swift investigation and accountability.
They emphasized that “violence has no place in a democratic process” and urged “all political actors to exercise restraint and safeguard the hard-earned peace and national cohesion of Liberia”.
The joint mission urged political parties and all candidates to uphold their commitment to peaceful elections and seek judicial resolution in case of a dispute, in line with the principles outlined in the Farmington River Declaration 2023.
Furthermore, they called upon the people of Liberia and their leaders to uphold values of tolerance and peace during this pivotal period of democratic consolidation.
Reflecting on the joint mission, Mr. Simão expressed optimism that Liberians endeavour to preserve the hard gained peace.
In 2017, Liberia achieved a significant milestone, marking it the first time since the conclusion of the civil war in 2003 that the Government of Liberia managed the entire electoral process.
Now the country stands peaceful and resilient, and is embracing the democratic spirit that has been a guiding force since the earlier turbulent times.
The joint efforts of ECOWAS and the UN ahead of the elections is a testament to the collaborative spirit uniting nations for a common cause: an Africa defined by enduring peace, unity among its peoples, and prosperity.
- The following contributed this this article:-
- Christiana Solomon (Peace and Development Advisor RCO Liberia)
- Marline Bos (Regional Communications Officer DCO Africa)
- Oumar Kane (UNOWAS Senior Political Affairs Officer), and
- Gradiah Walker Bou Hussein (RCO Liberia Communications Officer)
