YMCA, CPS: Upholding Democracy and Promoting Peaceful Elections in Liberia

Guest participants (Center, front row) with youth actors.

The Young Men’s Christian Association, (YMCA) through the Civil Peace Service -CPS held a one-day National Youth Actors Summit in mid – August 2023 in Monrovia. The summit build collective actions among peace actors for the protection and promotion of peace before, during and after the 2023 elections in Liberia.

Held under the theme: “Upholding Democracy and Promoting Peaceful Elections in Liberia,” the summit targeted 500 youth leaders, political parties youth wing, civil society organizations, the Liberia Marketing Association, Motorcycles Union, student leaders, auxiliary groups and cross sectors of community peace builders from 12 counties in Liberia.

Youth Peace Actors listening to a guest participant

Special inputs were made by Swedish Ambassador to Liberia & Sierra Leone, Urban Sjostrom, Country Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Liberia, Christian Mukosa, and representatives from the British and German Embassies in Liberia.

Platform Guests and Organizers of the Peace Actors Summit

A special statement from the National General Secretary of the Liberia YMCA, E. Timotheus Kamaboakai noted that Liberia has a youthful population, which could be an asset and also a liability.

YMCA CEO, E. Timotheus Kamaboakai

“Peace is every one’s business and as young people, you cannot sit on the fence and say you have no part in ensuring peace in Liberia.” The YMCA CEO noted.

“Our campaign has been characterized by hate speech, violence and intolerance, and as Liberia goes to elections on October 10, 2023, our responsibility is to ensure Liberia goes to peaceful elections process by engaging your peers and community members on the importance of peace during and after the elections.” he also noted.

Key activities at the summit were panelists discussions on civic action, gender and election, youth perspective, inclusion and the media. Following the speeches and panelists discussion, participants signed a resolution of commitment to peace during and after the elections.

This year’s summit is an extension of the numerous civic engagements, youth peace camp and civic competence and elections preparedness training conducted across the country under the YMCA Civil Peace Service program.

Through these actions, YMCA in partnership with the Civil Peace Service is fostering communities’ actions to carry out civic and voters’ education in the communities and point to the need for increased number of citizens to be engaged on early warning signs, hate speech, elections malpractices and make informed decisions to vote and co-exist.

Story: Emmanuel S. King, Jr.

Email YMCA @ info@ymca.org.lr

tim@ymca.org.lr

Cell numbers: +231 886550494

+231 778498687