Africa-Press – Liberia. — Former UNMIL Force Commander, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Opande, urges
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel Ishmael Opande, the former Force Commander of the erstwhile United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), has returned to Liberia with a strong message of reconciliation and unity for both the government and the people.
During his visit, Gen. Opande emphasized the importance of coming together to heal and build a brighter future for the nation.
“I encourage the people of Liberia, as well as the government, to come together to reconcile,” Gen. Opande stated. “I believe that proper reconciliation is necessary for the country to move forward. It may be difficult, as I have seen in my own country, but it is essential for lasting peace.”
He expressed gratitude for the progress made in both Liberia and Sierra Leone, acknowledging that the success of peacekeeping missions depends heavily on the cooperation of the local populations.
“Without the cooperation of the people in these countries, peacekeeping efforts would not be successful,” he said. “Peace cannot be kept if the people themselves are not ready for peace.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Gen. Opande recalled his first intervention in peacekeeping during the Namibian independence struggle, which essentially launched his career in peacekeeping.
He returned to Liberia at the end of 2003 to lead the largest peacekeeping operation in the world at the time.
Gen. Opande’s distinguished military career spans over 42 years, during which he has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in various countries, including Namibia, Mozambique, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
He noted the challenges of disarmament and stabilization, stating, “It was not easy, but once disarmament and stabilization of Liberia were achieved, I could return home knowing that I had contributed to the peace process.”
Since retiring from the military in 2005, Lt. Gen. Opande has longed to revisit Liberia, having witnessed the emotional weight of the devastation brought by the war and, subsequently, the many encouraging stories he heard since his departure about the resilience and progress of the Liberian people.
“Coming back to Liberia after so many years, I feel good that I did something to help bring peace to this country,” he said. “Over the weekend, I visited Gbarnga and Kpatawee, and I saw that the people are now comfortable and peaceful. It fills me with hope.”
Gen. Opande emphasized the need for personal experiences in understanding Liberia’s current state. “People say Liberia is peaceful and improving, but until I [could] see it for myself, I wouldn’t believe what they tell me,” he remarked. “I have met many Liberians who have visited my country, and I have read numerous articles about the developments and changes in your government. Seeing is believing, and I hope I can continue to witness the progress.”
While in Liberia on his private visit, Gen. Opande expressed appreciation for the progress he observed in Liberia, including the freedom to move around without the security detail he once required as a UN peacekeeping official. “I don’t need soldiers to protect me here like I did before,” he said. “I recently took a taxi to Mamba Point, where I used to live in the 90s. The changes I see are encouraging.”
He also underscored the importance of reconciliation as a cornerstone for peace. “Proper reconciliation is necessary for the country to move forward,” he reiterated. “During the war, people were divided along various lines, but now is the time for healing and coming together.”
Gen. Opande called on the Liberian people and their government to work collectively toward this goal. “If Liberia can achieve reconciliation and focus on peace, the nation can progress significantly,” he stated. “Peace cannot be achieved overnight; it requires continuous effort and commitment from everyone involved.”
He shared his belief that Africa, as a continent, can progress more rapidly if its nations can foster peace and cooperation. “We, as Africans, can advance further if we make peace with ourselves and work together,” he asserted. “We don’t need to run to Europe or America; we can achieve so much within Africa.”
Reflecting on his peacekeeping philosophy, Gen. Opande said, “I was not formally taught to be a peacekeeper; I taught myself through my experiences, even before I joined the military. My desire has always been to resolve conflicts, whether between my siblings or within communities.”
When asked about his approach to peacekeeping, he outlined three key priorities: “First is the security of the people I lead; second is understanding the nature of the conflict; and third is finding ways to bridge divides between conflicting parties.” He added, “The sooner a conflict ends, the better it is for everyone involved.”
In conclusion, Gen. Opande’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward peace and reconciliation in Liberia. His experiences and insights reinforce the message that unity is essential for building a sustainable future for the country.
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