G. Moses K. Dorbor, National Chairman of the Elder Council Movement for Peace and Reconciliation, blames Liberia’s conflict on “poor handling of electoral processes during the past years.”
Elder Dorbor, addressing the official starting ceremony Elders Council Movement for Peace and Reconciliation Friday, June 9, 2023, cited unequal access to services, assets, and justice as major domestic conflict factors.
“The council working as civil society organisation would like to reflect on some key leadership, political and policy issues as far back as the 1900s that were likely some of the root causes of conflicts in Liberia,” he said. “Among these key historical events are some these key drivers and limiting factors to Liberia’s democracy sustainable development.”
1927 General Elections were mentioned. “The 1985 election, in which Samuel K. Doe won a “Controversial Presidential Election,” led to Quiwonkpa’s Invasion. 1989: Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rises up against the government, starting 14 years of war in Liberia.
“We emphasised some of these instances to point at the underlying causes of our troubles,” stated Mr. Dorbor.
He continued, “This council was created to build an early warning system to prevent these horrible events from happening again.
Mr. Dorbor said the organisation was founded a few months ago by concerned elders of Liberia’s fifteen governmental subdivisions to avoid and reduce peace-threatening conflicts.
According to him, the council believes that elections malpractices, poor governance, and terrible leadership over the ages have hampered Liberia’s democracy and progress.
“The Council envisions that together, we can right the wrongs, achieving, maintaining, and preserving sustainable democracy and development,” he stated.
“Our efforts will be geared at engaging all political parted involve in a conflict or possible threats and working with other National and International organisations to soften the ground for peaceful resolution through talks Conventions, advisory services and therapy,” he said.
He stated that elders’ pro-democracy and peace protection organisations will advise and promote non-violent conflict resolution and early warning systems.
For integrity, confidence, and respect, the elder council movement will always mediate conflicts.
The council will advocate for topics to neutralise challenges to our political system and development projects, minimise conflicts, and promote sustainable development and peace.
“Our nation can’t no longer allow herself to be a breeding ground for issues in the West African Sub-region; thus, we as elders must begin now to champion a cause for the development of a level playing field for all if we are to sustain the peace we are currently enjoying.”
He said the council will alert political players through press releases, radio discussion shows, and direct meetings.
He stated they will also engage government, political parties, electoral organisations, NGOs, Civil Society Citizens groups, and concerned individuals.
