CHIEFS AND ELDERS END THREE-DAY PEACE CONFERENCE IN KAKATA MARGIBI COUNTY

The three-day peace conference which began from June 15 to 17 2023 was organized by the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia headed by Chief Zanzan Kawor in collaboration with the Liberia Crusaders for Peace and National Governor Council and facilitated by Queen Juli Endee. It was intended for the Chiefs and Elders from the fifteen counties to reach decisions that will ensure a violent free election in Liberia.
In a resolution that came out of the meeting, the chiefs and elders expressed concerns over the persistent violent confrontations in Liberia just a few months before the October 10th election that are being carried out by some political actors. They are equally concerned about the lack of respect for chiefs and elders and the traditional norms of the country, the alarming increase in hatred and disunity amongst Liberians as well as the lack of respect for constituted authority.
The chiefs and elders also expressed concerns over the increase in homosexuality and lesbianism in the society which is anti to the religious and traditional norms of Liberia. they also spoke about violence against women and the marginalization of women to hold high decision-making and elected positions, making particular reference to the South Eastern counties as being the most discriminatory counties that are not allowing women to hold local county positions.
The resolution indicated that the Traditional Chiefs and elders, as the custodian of the nation’s heritage and peace, must serve as the agents of peace and must live by example. Chiefs must not get involved in undermining the works of government and should desist from such acts that do not promote peace and Unity.
According to the resolution which was signed by more than 200 chiefs and elders attending the peace conference, MGC&SP, MIA, NEC, National civil society Council, Civil Society Human rights other organizations, Women and Youth groups and citizens, the chiefs agreed to remain committed to peace, never to incite violence, and also called on all Liberians including political party leaders not to incite violence amongst their followers, and that young Liberians must not again allow themselves to be used as the pillow of violence by politicians.
The resolution also called for unhindered respect to the office of the presidency of Liberia no matter how tender the age of the President in charge, while the chiefs and elders agreed to denounce the act of homosexuality and lesbianism which they described as being uncultured to the Liberian society. The chiefs also called on the Liberian government to ensure free and fair elections, and that government should take strong measures to stop the importation of illegal and dangerous drugs into the Liberian society.
The closing program of the three-day peace conference was graced by the Minister of States for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Blamo Wesseh, and Grand Bassa County Senator Jonathan Kaipay. Minister Wesseh lauded the chiefs and elders for the three-day peace conference which is paramount to a violent free election.