Africa-Press – Liberia. The founder of the Alliance for Transitional Justice Liberia (ATJL), Jeremiah Swen, has strongly requested a unified effort among state and non-state actors to tackle post-election violence during and after the period of transition.
Swen stresses the containment of domestic violence, transnational crimes, hate speeches, and youth radicalization, which he believes can be tackled collectively.
He made the call recently when the Peace Building Office (PBO), held a reconciliation validation program in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and Liberia National Policy (LNP) in Monrovia.
He noted in his opening remarks that the legislation of the National Policy on Reconciliation is a strategic legal approach that will ensure uninterrupted implementation and disallow political interference in the face of government succession, thereby ensuring that reconciliation becomes a core national program.
Swen further stressed the importance of implementing a separate youth-tailored validation exercise, which he thinks will drive greater youth knowledge and ownership. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between INCHR and PBO so as to align peace and accountability.
“Sustained peace is only guaranteed when impunity is defeated,” Swen said. “Strengthen the GoL and CSO relationship and use CSO decentralized structures and resources as critical assets for the holistic implementation of national reconciliation.”
He also noted that domestic and transnational crimes are existing structural post-war obstacles that threaten women’s participation and leadership, and he challenged stakeholders for collective efforts to defeat GBV.
ATJL was also privileged to partner with other relevant CSOs and GoL representatives to review and validate Pillars One and Two (Traditional Justice Mechanism and Memorialization, respectively) of the Policy. The organization further held warm partnership exchanges with current and past government officials and CSO colleagues.
He lauded the Peace Building Office and all citizens for the success of a holistic milestone, adding that “a peaceful and reconciled society backed by accountability guarantees sustainable peace and development.”
Meanwhile, the organization, as part of its efforts, joined the National Elections Commission (NEC) to grace the official certification ceremony of members of the 55th Legislature. ATJL joined scores of dignitaries drawn from Political parties, international development partners, Civic Society organizations (CSOs) and citizens to observe the historic event.
Swen, who represented CSOs, acknowledged that the just ended general and presidential elections of 2023 were free, fair, transparent, and inclusive. He also indicated that it elevated how Liberia’s image was rewritten, especially in the absence of international peacekeepers; NEC builds partnerships with CSOs and the general citizenry to achieve this milestone.
He applauded the strategic role played by international partners and support provided to CSOs to enhance electoral initiatives. “On behalf of CSOs, I want to congratulate all certificated legislators (senators and Representatives) and renew the CSOs’ commitment to foster stronger partnerships with the honorable Legislature to continue the path of ongoing national development, reform, healing, and peace,” he added.
In conclusion, he thanked citizens for their courage and determination to stick to peace instead of electoral violence. Congratulations to the newly established 55th Legislature and best wishes during their internal electoral processes.
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