Kukatornon Celebrating 20 Years of Peace in Liberia: A Journey of Hope and Unity

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia 

and Government Officials here present

H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the Economic Community of West African States

Excellencies, the Dean, and Members of the Diplomatic and Counselor Corps

UN colleagues

Distinguished Honorees

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

Today, we are commemorating a remarkable 20-year journey of unbroken peace in Liberia that has transformed a nation from the depths of conflict to the heights of harmony. We are also remembering all those who suffered during the 14-year-long civil war and those who still feel the effects today. Most of all, we have come together to honor the indomitable spirit of the Liberian people. Liberia, once marred by strife and division, now stands as a beacon of resilience and reconciliation.

In 1989, Liberia plunged into a violent conflict that lasted 14 years and claimed the lives of over 150,000 people and was marked by intense violence against civilians, especially sexual violence against women and girls and recruitment of child soldiers. There was a complete breakdown of law and order, and hundreds of thousands were displaced both inside and outside of Liberia’s borders. Liberia, once marred by strife and division, now stands as a beacon of resilience and reconciliation.

Today, as you reflect upon the struggles and sacrifices that led Liberia to where it is today, also rejoice in the triumph of 20 years of uninterrupted peace. The scars of the past have not defined Liberians; they have propelled all of you forward toward a brighter future. Through unwavering determination, resilience, and a collective commitment to harmony, Liberia has transformed from a land marred by conflict to a beacon of hope for post-conflict nations worldwide. The sacrifices made, the tears shed, and the dreams pursued have culminated in this 20-year triumphant moment of celebration. The scars of the past have not defined you; instead, they have become the foundation upon which you have built a brighter future.

This journey is a testament to the strength of the Liberian people, their unwavering commitment to peace, and the enduring power of dialogue and diplomacy. The healing of wounds takes time, but the unity Liberians have forged demonstrates the indomitable spirit that resides within each and every one of you.

I urge you to use this occasion to honor those who have worked tirelessly to bring about this peace – from local leaders including the late Ruth Sando Perry, Interim Chairman of the Council of State of Liberia, and late Gyude Bryant, Chairman of the Transitional Government of Liberia), to international partners and here I wish to pay special commendation to ECOWAS for its intervention to end the civil war and saw the deployment of a force of about 10,000 men and women - ECOMOG), from citizens to diplomats (the UN, USA, and others)- and in particular the strong resilient women of Liberia. It is their dedication that has laid the foundation for a prosperous and harmonious Liberia. Ask for one minute of silence for those who lost their lives during the war. May their souls rest in perpetual light.

As you remember the challenges overcome and the friendships forged during the path to reconciliation, also acknowledge the importance of nurturing this newfound tranquility. Together, you must safeguard the principles of unity, justice, and respect that have brought healing to this land, especially as we head to the polls on 10 October. We, therefore, urge all political stakeholders to maintain the peace at all times and desist from inflammatory rhetoric that may incite violence.

Liberia's journey teaches us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a continuous effort to build bridges, mend wounds, and foster understanding. Let us continue to nurture dialogue, promote education, and champion human rights, so that the shadows of the past never again darken your nation's future. As we move ahead, let us remember that the work of peace is never truly done. It requires continuous nurturing, understanding, and cooperation. The UN commits to stand with Liberia to create a country where differences are celebrated, where justice prevails, and where every voice is heard.

May the memory of this 20 years of hard-won peace remind us all that the pursuit of a harmonious world is a responsibility we all share. Let Liberia's story serve as an inspiration to nations facing adversity – a testament that hopes, perseverance, and unity can overcome even the most daunting challenges Let us stand strong, united by our diversity, and determined to uphold the ideals of peace, justice, and progress.

Congratulations, Liberia, on this momentous occasion. Congratulations, Liberia, on this milestone of  20 years of peace! May this peace continue to reign and may the flame of hope that burns within us light the path for generations to come.

Let all Liberian march forward together, hand in hand, towards a future of prosperity, compassion, and unwavering solidarity!

Thank you.