WILLIAM Q. HARMON
Africa-Press – Liberia. In what could be described as a historic move, youth leaders of several major political parties have signed a landmark peace agreement that major national and international stakeholders believe solidifies their commitment to fostering peace and civility during the 2023 electoral processes.
This comes 34 years after the tragic events that saw young people unwittingly fuel a devastating civil war, a new narrative emerges as these very youth leaders gather to sign the Butuo Declaration—a resolute promise to uphold peace and democracy, and to never allow their energy to be harnessed for violence again.
The youth leaders, in a powerful display of unity and commitment, converged in the historic town of Butuo, Nimba County on Saturday August 5, to seal the agreement—which marks a significant milestone in the nation’s history.
Known as the Butuo Declaration, the peace accord, a prototype or the young people’s version of the Farmington River Declaration, symbolizes their dedication to peace and stability in the nation after being for decades as tools of violence.
Representatives from major political parties stood side by side, transcending partisan lines to embrace a shared vision for a peaceful and democratic future. Those who affixed their signatures to the historic document were Liberia National Union (LINU), the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), and the Unity Party. Others were Liberia People Party (LPP), ALCOP, and the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC),
“The signing of the declaration was not merely an act of symbolism; it was a powerful testament to the dedication of the youth leaders to steer their nation away from the precipice of violence and towards a path of lasting harmony,” the president of the Federation of Liberia Youth (FLY), Banica Elliot, said in a statement.
Signing the peace agreement in the Nimba border town of Butuo is historic as it has gained notoriety as a symbol of violence in Liberia.
It was from there that the infamous rebel invasion that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Liberians and the destruction of properties was born. That violent rebellion that former President Charles Taylor launched on the 24th of December, 1989, has since infested the country with violence, making young people the prime victims.
On Saturday, the shadows of the past loomed large as the youth leaders took their positions to affix their signatures on the historic document.
“The Butuo Declaration serves as a poignant reminder of the pain and loss that resulted from the events of 1989, when the hopes and dreams of a generation were shattered by a brutal conflict that ravaged the country and claimed countless lives,” Elliot said.
The youth leaders pledged to shun violence and stand as guardians of the democratic process. Their collective determination serves as an antidote to the wounds of the past, and their resolve ignites hope for a brighter future.
As the ink dried on the parchment, a sense of pride and optimism permeated the air. The event not only marked the start of the electoral campaign season but also signaled a turning point in the narrative of Buutuo and the nation at large. Social media platforms buzzed with support for the youth leaders, with the hashtag #BuutuoDeclaration trending as citizens from all walks of life expressed their solidarity and hope.
“The Buutuo Declaration serves as a beacon of inspiration for the youth of the nation, a reminder that they hold the power to shape the course of history,” the FLY president said. “It stands as a living testament to the indomitable spirit of a generation determined to transcend the mistakes of the past and to champion a future built on the pillars of peace and democracy.”
As the nation embarks on its electoral journey, the Buutuo Declaration stands as a powerful reminder that the youth are the torchbearers of change and progress. Their commitment to peace and democracy resonates not only in Buutuo but throughout the nation, serving as a testament to the enduring power of unity and the unwavering hope for a better tomorrow.
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