“20 YEARS OF PEACE IN LIBERIA: WOMEN BUILDING AND SUSTAINING PEACE ACROSS GENERATIONS”.

Good afternoon,

It is both an honor and a privilege to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement with you. The United Nations is proud to stand with the people of Liberia to keep alive, reflect, celebrate, and renew our commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, and progress.

Today’s gathering holds profound significance as we recognize the strides Liberia has taken over the past two decades to maintain the peace. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement stands as a testament to the power of collective determination to forge a new path forward—a path that has led us to a more peaceful and promising Liberia.

 

It is fitting to acknowledge the vital role that the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) played in supporting Liberia’s transition from conflict to peace. UNMIL’s presence and efforts were instrumental in Liberia’s progress toward the maintenance of peace, security, and stability, and in creating an environment for development growth. The UN’s collaboration with Liberian authorities and civil society is a testament to the shared commitment to lasting peace, and here I wish to pay special commendation to the women of Liberia. Strong, indomitable, resilient, ever-present. You are the guardians of a hard-won peace and your influence and colossal efforts led to Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s election as the first female President in Liberia and Africa.  

Today’s commemoration is significant not only for celebrating the achievements of the past but also for recognizing the present. Liberia will hold presidential and legislative elections on 10 October, the first general elections since the withdrawal of UNMIL in 2018 and entirely managed by Liberian authorities. This marks a pivotal moment for Liberia as the nation takes the reins in safeguarding its peace and democracy.

 

The transition from UNMIL’s presence to self-reliance is a testament to Liberia’s progress and strength. As we approach the elections, let us remember that the true strength of a nation lies in its ability to maintain peace through democratic means. It is up to you, Liberians, to safeguard the peace that has been painstakingly built over the past two decades.

In closing, as a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, let me assure you that the memories never fade. In fact, you want to remember the pain, the incalculable loss, the horrors of the past carry the lessons learned past if Liberia is to secure a more peaceful tomorrow, a future defined by harmony, unity, and opportunities.

I wish to assure you that the United Nations system will continue working with Liberia to sustain peace, and we are confident in Liberia's ability to shine as a beacon of hope and an example of enduring peace.

 

Thank you for your dedication to this vital cause and let us continue to strive for a Liberia that embodies the true essence of peace.

Thank you.