Superintendent Lavelah Massaquoi of Lofa County, Liberia, commended Plan International Liberia for its significant contributions to peacebuilding in the region. During a Security Council and County Peace Mechanism meeting, convened by Plan International Liberia as part of its “Girls and Young Women Take Action for Peace” project, Superintendent Massaquoi acknowledged the organization’s positive impact. The meeting, which included representatives from the local implementing partner Women Solidarity Incorporated (WOSI), served as a platform to announce the project’s culmination after two years of operation in Lofa, specifically within the Yeala and Konia Peace Hut communities, as well as three other Liberian counties. Superintendent Massaquoi highlighted the project’s success in promoting peace and managing the aforementioned Peace Huts.
Superintendent Massaquoi underscored the importance of local ownership of peacebuilding initiatives. Recognizing the vital role of security in maintaining peace, he emphasized the need to allocate resources within the county’s development budget for security and peacebuilding interventions. He urged members of the County Security Council, composed of prominent citizens, to proactively address peace and security concerns rather than solely relying on international organizations. The superintendent stressed the importance of self-reliance and community-driven solutions, advocating for local ownership and capacity building, even while acknowledging and appreciating the support of international partners. His message resonated with the principle of sustainability, emphasizing the need for local structures and mechanisms to carry on the work even after external support ceases.
Representatives of the Lofa County Security Council echoed Superintendent Massaquoi’s sentiments, praising Plan International Liberia for its effective peacebuilding initiatives. They attributed a noticeable decline in youth violence and improved security throughout the county to the organization’s efforts. Furthermore, leaders from diverse community organizations, including the Lofa County Marketing Association, the Civil Society Organizations’ network, and the Association of Persons with Disabilities, expressed their gratitude for Plan International Liberia’s support in coordinating the county’s peacebuilding mechanism meetings. They emphasized the revitalization of the council coinciding with the project’s commencement, signifying the initiative’s contribution to strengthening local peacebuilding structures.
While acknowledging the project’s achievements, the council members recommended an extension to adequately prepare for the eventual withdrawal of donor funding. This recommendation highlighted the desire for a smooth transition and the need for sufficient time to build local capacity to sustain the peacebuilding efforts initiated by the project. The council expressed its appreciation to the UN Peacebuilding Fund and WOSI for their collaborative efforts with Plan International Liberia, which contributed to the successful implementation of the project in Lofa. This acknowledgment underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable peace and development outcomes.
Sidiki Kamara, Sponsorship Project Officer at Plan International Liberia’s Lofa office, elaborated on the organization’s multifaceted development work in the region. He emphasized the strong partnership between Plan International Liberia and the county office of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative approaches in addressing local development challenges. Kamara explained that the “Girls and Young Women Take Action for Peace” project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, is a two-year initiative aimed at enhancing the active participation of young people, particularly girls, in peacebuilding leadership roles. The project also focuses on integrating these individuals into established peacebuilding frameworks within the intervention counties of Bong, Nimba, Montserrado, and Lofa.
The project has achieved notable success in empowering girls and young women, engaging boys and men, and supporting women involved in Peace Huts at the grassroots level. These accomplishments demonstrate the project’s broad reach and impact on various segments of the community. The focus on girls and young women underscores the project’s commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of marginalized voices in peacebuilding processes. By strengthening local peace structures and empowering individuals to take leadership roles, the project aims to foster sustainable peace and promote long-term stability in Liberia. The project’s emphasis on community-level engagement highlights the importance of local ownership and grassroots participation in building and maintaining peace.
