Ellen Urges Liberian To Embrace Peace -Launches ABIC Women Situation Room By: Yassah J. Wright

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, officially launched the Women Situation Room in Liberia, aimed at promoting peaceful electoral environment and community security in Liberia.

The women Situation Room (WSR), flagship program is being implemented by the Angie Brooks International Center for Women Empowerment, International Peace and Security.

The initiative also seeks to combat hate speech, political violence and enhance peaceful co-existence during and after the 2023 Presidential and legislative elections.

The initiative is supported and funded by the European Union, United Nations Development Program, United Nations Peacebuilding funds among others.

The program which was held at the Monrovia City Hall Ball Room, was launched and graced by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Cllr. Francis Johnson-Allison, former Chief Justice and members of the diplomatic community including ECOWAS, UN and the European.

In the same vein, the initiative brought together political parties, grassroots women, youths and students as well as motorcyclist. 

Officially launching the program, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, after observing silence and fatigue in the hall, raised battled cried and awaken the audience.

Giving a brief remark, Madam Sirleaf said that chanting of slogan are not only to wake Liberian up but to unify and bring them together with oneness and unity.

According to her, this is meant to tell Liberian that they are all one people, one nation from different tribes and counties but with single objective of withholding their peace and security.

‘’ This tells us that we are all Liberians dedicated to the cause of rebuilding our nation. Dedicated not to just ourselves; but for our children; to give them the place to pursue their dreams and ambitions. That is what we have come together as a people” she stated.

With those words, she extolled ABIC and all its donors, supporters and partners of the Women Situation Room for providing the funding for the project.

‘’Once again, we have come together in the spirit of unity, togetherness and the spirt of preserving the peace of this country. Let us vote because it’s a sacred responsibility and duty. Also, let us maintain the peace of our country for our generation yet to come. With that, I hereby launch the WSR,’’ she noted.

Earlier giving the overview of the Women’s Situation Room, the establishment Coordinator, Cllr. Dr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh, described the WSR as a strategic operation platform that is meant to promote peace and unity.

Giving operational zones of the WSR, Cllr. Cheeson-Wureh said the WSR will be operating in Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Bong, Lofa and Grand Gedeh Counties.

For her part, former Foreign Affairs Minister and Chair of ABIC Board of Director, Olubanke King-Akerele, extolled ABIC for the launch of the Women Situation Room.

However, she called on the Government of Liberia to investigate every election violence across the country, adding that the early warning signs of conflict are numerous and unacceptable. 

Making brief remarks,  members of the diplomatic community including United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, European Union, and the Swedish Ambassador, urged Liberians to take control of their peace.

They expressed commitment and support to Liberia and the WSR, adding that the peace of Liberia is in the hands of Liberians.

for her part, Indigenous Eminent Women Head, Korpo Howard, adorned ABIC for taking the messages of Peace and peaceful elections to the counties.

‘’ We thank you for taking this initiative to the trenches, especially to Maryland, River Gee, RiverCess Counties among others. I am a witness and testament to your commitment on educating Liberians concerning the importance and maintenance of the peace,’’ she noted.