Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai’s symbolic Unification Day outreach to former leaders has drawn mixed reactions — welcomed by many as a step toward reconciliation, yet critiqued as too little, too late by key national voices like Bishop Kortu Brown.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

On May 14, President Boakai revealed he had extended goodwill messages to former presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah, along with prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders.

He said: “It was squarely within such frame of mind that I, earlier today, placed special goodwill telephone calls to former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah as well as eminent national leaders Benoni Wilfred Urey, Alexander Benedict Cummings. I also reached out to the Liberia Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council of Liberia as well as the Chairman of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia.” Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of Liberia

The gesture was framed as an effort to promote national unity. However, the follow-up responses — particularly from former President Weah and Bishop Brown — suggest the president’s move may have opened a broader conversation about Liberia’s fractured politics and the urgent need for deeper engagement.

Bishop Kortu Brown, former president of the Liberia Council of Churches, cautiously welcomed the gesture but noted that it should have come much earlier.

“I think it’s good; it’s something that Liberians have waited for, for a long time. It’s almost one and a half years now—I think it is a good effort for the President reaching out to political, religious, and traditional leaders,” Bishop Brown told reporters. “I believe the President could have done this quite a while ago, not one and a half year [later],” he added.

His reaction speaks to a larger sentiment among many Liberians: while gestures are appreciated, they are no substitute for consistent leadership engagement across political lines.

Bishop Brown underscored the need for more than ceremonial gestures.

“All Liberians must now build on this action of the President in a bid to move Liberia towards national unity,” he emphasized. “Our leaders have been weak; they need to do more and they need to work in the interest of the nation and people.”

He argued that real unification would require ongoing dialogue between former and current leaders to reduce political polarization and bring their supporters together.

“Engagement between past and current leaders would help bring their supporters together,” he noted.

Perhaps more critically, Bishop Brown cautioned against the dangers of exclusion and political intolerance, describing them as roadblocks to nation-building.

“Exclusion doesn’t build a country. It will only delay the country’s progress,” he said. “People feel they should speak, but they should not work together. That mindset must change.”

He pointed to deeper structural issues—social, political, and economic disparities—that continue to inhibit national integration.

“The intent of national unification was to tackle the disparities in the political, economic, and social interactions in the country. Unless we tackle those concerns, the space for greater interaction by all Liberians will remain limited.”

The bishop also criticized the unprofessional conduct of some government officials, particularly their social media behavior.

“They should focus on executing their duties instead of reacting to everything being said online,” Bishop Brown said. “Some of these responses only worsen public perception and create additional problems for the government.”

Former President George Weah responded with diplomacy laced with skepticism. He confirmed receiving a missed call and text from Boakai but clarified that no phone conversation took place.

“Earlier this morning, I received a missed call from an unknown number, which was followed by a text message from President Joseph Boakai wishing me a happy Unification Day and urging national unity,” Weah stated. “I responded to said message in return by also wishing him a Happy Unification Day. I have not spoken to President Boakai since January 2024.”

Weah used the moment to critique what he termed “superficial political gimmicks.”

“True unification is not based on superficial political gimmicks, but on the rule of law and constitutional order,” he declared.

He added a pointed reminder to the Boakai administration: “I again urge President Boakai to respect the rule of law, respect past and present political leaders, and uphold the sanctity of our hard-fought democratic institutions and processes in order to foster national unification.”

The statements from Bishop Brown and former President Weah highlight a common concern—genuine national unity must move beyond public relations optics.

Boakai’s outreach may have been a goodwill move, but the reactions it provoked underscore that Liberians are seeking substance: inclusion, consistency, and meaningful collaboration.

As Bishop Brown put it bluntly, “What complaints have we not heard here yet? Our leaders have been weak; they need to do more.”

In the current climate of high political expectations and persistent social divisions, Boakai’s symbolic call may be just the beginning of a much-needed reckoning with the real work of unity.

KIGALI, Rwanda – On 18 and 19 April, 2024, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for  Women and Development (the EJS Center) hosted the first Amujae High-Level Leadership Forum  since before the COVID-19 pandemic at the Kigali Convention Center in Rwanda with H.E.  President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in attendance and H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia sharing  a recorded message.  

In support of the EJS Center’s renowned Amujae Initiative, the Forum gathered a broad cross section of attendees, including present and former heads of state; government officials; private sector professionals; representatives from multilateral bodies and NGOs; Amujae Leaders; and  the EJS Center’s Board.  

Acting as an opportunity for Amujae Leaders to deepen their relationships and connections with  one another, the Forum brought together 28 Amujae Leaders from across the continent—many  of whom are senior government officials, activists, civil society leaders, development experts,  academics, and economists—for a two-day interactive workshop with leadership training  exercises and keynote addresses.  

H.E., former President of Liberia, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Africa’s first democratically  elected woman head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said, “Just look at the difference that  leadership and continuity can do for the sustainability of development,” during her opening  remarks for the Forum. On the subject of advancing women’s leadership, Madam Sirleaf  continued by saying, “Let’s be realistic. It takes others, it takes colleagues, it takes supporters, it  takes mentors, it takes partnership for us to achieve those goals….thank you to all of you Amujae  leaders for helping to bring about a wave of emerging African women leaders.” 

The Forum was an opportunity for Amujae Leaders to refine their skills as accomplished women  leaders, learn from one another, and exchange insights from their individual leadership journeys.  The Forum was an important moment for self-reflection and development for many of the  Amujae Leaders, as many have their sights set on running for public office in various elections  taking place throughout 2024. Tailor-made sessions for Amujae Leaders running election  campaigns provided them with not only the tools to run successful campaigns, but also the  confidence to lead a team, develop a coherent message, and listen to people’s concerns with  empathy. 

H.E. President Paul Kagame addressed the Forum and discussed the means by which African  nations can achieve gender equality in public leadership. Moderated by Binaifer Nowrojee, the  incoming President of the Open Society Foundations, the intimate conversation was an  opportunity for Amujae Leaders to ask President Kagame how Rwanda achieved the world’s  leading representation of women in its parliament.  

Speaking to attendees, President Kagame said, “When we started this process of rebuilding, the  thing we discovered we had to do was to change the thinking of our own people,” when speaking  of the need to advance women’s leadership and representation in the country. President  Kagame reiterated the change that had to be put in place in order for Rwanda to succeed in its  mission of supporting women in public life. 

The Amujae High-Level Leadership Forum is a milestone moment in the EJS Center’s  programming—it provides a space for Amujae Leaders to network with one another, engage with  the EJS Center, and meet with high-level officials and organizations to advance their own  leadership journeys. Speaking of the importance of women’s leadership, H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde addressed the Forum via a recorded message on the final day, stating, “We cannot just sit down  and watch. One of the critical measures is to bring more women in public leadership in Africa,  including at the highest level.” 

The Amujae Initiative supports women in public leadership across Africa who have proven their  dedication to their communities and to uplifting fellow women. It is the only initiative in the world  specifically designed to support accomplished African women leaders to advance in their public  leadership journeys. For further information on the various Amujae Leader cohorts and the  initiative itself, visit the website.  

MONROVIA – Former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has called on Africans to introspect Africa’s legacy on the global architectures of intellectualism and redefine the continent’s role shaping a new tragetory.

By Selma Lomax

Johnson-Sirleaf put forth the case for education as the key to unlocking the transformative and promising potential of Africa’s youth.

The former Liberian President noted that Africa is a young, vibrant, and dynamic continent with around 70% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. 

She maintained that the youthful population of Africa holds the key to growth, progress and prosperity, and that Africans must champion the cause to make the continent more relevant on the global stage in all aspects.

Madam Johnson Sirleaf made the comment on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa, when she served as keynote speaker at the 2023 Founders Lecture of the University of South Africa (UNISA).

The Founders Lecture was held under the theme: “Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures into the next 150 years and beyond.” 

Madam Sirleaf said reclaiming the intellectual futures of Africa requires Africans coming to together, and governments strengthening institutions of learning.

She argued that research and technology are also important in helping Africans to reclaim their intellectual futures in the next 150 years and beyond. 

The first democratically elected woman’s president of Africa highlighted education as a major contributing factor to a resilient future for Africa and it’s youthful population. 

The idea of a Founders Lecture was introduced at Unisa in 2003, with the aim to encourage the University and its stakeholders to focus on critical issues in higher education at both global and national levels. 

Over the years, a variety of topics, presented by eminent and renowned scholars from across the Continent and the globe, have established the Founders Lecture as a premium and flagship forum for intellectual engagement of the highest standard. 

The former Liberian President ceased the opportunity to appreciate the administration of the University of South Africa for organizing the platform for African former and current leaders, and scholars to speak to the youthful population of the continent on issues pertinent to shifting the destiny of the continent.

In conclusion, the veteran politician also called for the responsible and accountable leaderships across the continent, if Africa should reclaim its intellectual futures.

MONROVIA — Former President Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has taken a significant step towards maintaining peace in Liberia by inaugurating the Women’s Situation Room (WSR), an initiative spearheaded by the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC).

By Francis G. Boayue

Comprising distinguished women from the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace, and Security, the Women’s Situation Room has launched its 2023 edition. This innovative approach aims to engage women and youth actively in championing peaceful electoral procedures.

The program was unveiled on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Monrovia City Hall, where former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urged voters to exercise wisdom while making pivotal decisions in the impending elections.

“Your vote is your power, so exercise caution in your choice of candidates this year,” she emphasized.

Madam Sirleaf stressed the importance of informed voting among women and young citizens, underscoring that their selection would impact the nation’s trajectory for the next six years, influencing governance that caters to the marginalized and the common populace.

Extending her remarks, the former president commended the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) officials for their enduring commitment to peace-building over the years.

“As the real promoters of peace, you women hold the key; let’s persist in our efforts for the betterment of the nation,” the former Liberian President conveyed to a diverse assembly comprising women, youth, motorcyclists, and others.

In her contribution, Madam OluBanke King-Akerele, Chair of the ABIC Board of Directors and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, elucidated that the Women’s Situation Room champions women’s leadership in conflict resolution and peace establishment, aligning with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

“The WSR functions as an early warning and rapid response mechanism to election-related conflicts and violence in African nations,” she explained.

She highlighted that the WSR had been effectively employed in other African countries, including Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda in 2016. Operating as a non-partisan platform, the mechanism focuses on swift intervention during incidents of election-related violence.

Expanding on her comments, Madam OluBanke King-Akerele condemned a recent episode of electoral violence involving supporters of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change and the Unity Party in Nimba County, resulting in a fatality.

“Acts of aggression during this crucial period should be universally condemned, as they endanger the peace we’ve cherished for years,” the former Foreign Minister asserted.

She stressed that such incidents contradicted the spirit of the Farmington River Declaration, a framework through which political parties and presidential candidates committed to shunning all forms of violence throughout the electoral process.

The Farmington Declaration framework mandates presidential candidates and political party leaders to encourage their followers to exercise tolerance, uphold the rights of others, and maintain decorum and serenity during this pivotal electoral phase. Intimidation and coercion against political adversaries stand contrary to the principles of participatory democracy.

Consequently, she urged the Liberia National Police (LNP) to conduct an inquiry into the violence that claimed a life. She called for the arrest and proper legal proceedings against the perpetrators, in line with the principles of due process of law.

MONROVIA – Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, emphasized that Liberian women’s enduring commitment to peace, even in the face of adversity, has been the foundation for the peace Liberians now enjoy. She called on all Liberians to celebrate and honor the women who stood at the forefront of the peace movement.

By Mae Azango mae.azango@frontpageafricaonline.com

Speaking at the Monrovia City Hall during an event marking Liberia’s 20-year celebration of peace since the signing of the 2003 Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the war in Liberia, Madam Sirleaf said, “Today is just an event, but the continuity and maintenance of peace depend on each and every one of us. Therefore, we should avoid using defamatory statements because they undermine our constitution. We say to all of you: if we want peace, speak and act rightly. Pray for peace, live for peace, champion peace, and be ambassadors of peace.”

The program, which brought together government officials and dignitaries, was organized by UN Women in partnership with organizations such as Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, EJS Center for Women and Development, ECOWAS, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Ireland, and various youth and UN agencies. Liberian women and youth also graced the occasion.

Swedish Ambassador Urban Sjostrom introduced the two Nobel Peace Laureates, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee of the Gbowee Peace Foundation, who, although currently out of Liberia, delivered a short video message. Gbowee reflected on the historic signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2003, which brought an end to Liberia’s deadliest civil war in Africa. Thousands of lives were lost, and many were displaced, with properties worth millions destroyed. Yet, today, Liberians can look back with gratitude, knowing that Liberian women played a pivotal role in the fight for peace.

Gbowee concluded her message by saying, “We have experienced three peaceful elections since the signing of the CPA. As we approach future elections, let us remember our past, appreciate our present, and work toward a peaceful future. Say no to war, no to violence, and no to negativity. We are Liberians first, Liberians today, and Liberians always.”

UN Women Country Representative, Madam Comfort Lamptey, recalled that twenty years ago, Liberian women made history by demonstrating that women, working together with unity and determination, could accelerate a country’s journey towards peace. While the peace agreement in Liberia might have eventually been signed, the voices, stories, and efforts of Liberian women expedited the process.

Madam Lamptey also highlighted how Liberian women made history again in 2005 by electing Africa’s first female President. This remarkable achievement showcased that a woman of substance could successfully lead a war-torn country through the challenging process of recovery, peace-building, and development. In 2011, two Liberian women were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, further solidifying Liberia’s place in history as the only African country with two female Nobel laureates.

Lamptey emphasized that, as Liberia commemorates 20 years since the signing of the Accra Peace Agreement, this is the perfect moment to reflect on how this impressive historical record can be used to promote and support women’s leadership in maintaining the hard-fought peace. She stressed the importance of inter-generational exchange, where the knowledge, experience, expertise, and talents of women peacebuilders from different generations can be harnessed to defend and sustain Liberia’s peace during these unstable times in West Africa.

The event included an interactive and inter-generational panel discussion featuring Christian and Muslim Women of Liberian Women for Peace Action alongside young women. Atty. Facia B. Harris and Ms. Vickjune Wutoh served as moderators.

The older women, including Vaiba Flomo, Cecelia Danuwali, and Ms. Baindu Saturday, discussed numerous challenges they faced, such as the disarmament of ex-soldiers during the Demobilization, Disarmament, Reintegration, and Resettlement (DDRR) program carried out by the United Nations at the time, as well as the reintegration of former fighters into their communities. Dr. D Evelyn Kandai emphasized the importance of girls’ education, referencing her work with FAWE.

The young women on the panel, including Massa Dugulu, Nusone Perkins, and Hawa Dunor Varney, spoke about the value of learning from their elders and the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes that affect them.

MONROVIA – Mr. Benoni Urey, the political leader of the All Liberian Party, has openly expressed remorse for the disputes and conflicts he engaged in with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the late Cllr. Charles Brumskine, and Alexander Cummings, all in the context of supporting former Vice President Joseph Boakai’s bid for the presidency.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

“I’m sorry I did not join Brumskine and Cummings when they did not support him, and probably they knew him better than I did. Now, I see why they did not support him,” Urey said.

He made the statement Monday evening when he appeared on ‘The Closing Argument,’ a talk show hosted on KMTV.

Urey’s statement was in reaction to a disclosure made by the standard bearer of the Unity Party, accusing Urey of pressuring him to put out 15,000 people on the streets to protest the 2017 presidential election result.

“Mr. Urey told me that we could put 15,000 people in the streets. However, I wasn’t willing to put people in harm’s way. I couldn’t allow people to die because of me. Believe me, even if I had taken the country at that time, I wouldn’t be alive today,” Amb. Boakai said when he appeared on Truth FM on Monday.

Mr. Urey and his ALP had been a formidable ally to Amb. Boakai, whom Urey personally believed was more fit and experienced for the presidency than the rest of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) leaders.

Mr. Urey has publicly declared that Mr. Cummings, in his own words, “was not fit to be President,” owing to his late arrival on the political landscape.

Mr. Urey is on record for saying, “People usually elect people who have worked in government. You don’t elect people who just come from one country and want to be President in another. You elect people based on their experience and reputation. And I think of the three candidates, Joe Boakai has the most experience; Joe Boakai has stood the test of time, and he’s a relatively decent person.”

It can also be recalled that under Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Boakai’s watch of the CPP, Urey accused Cummings of tampering with the CPP Framework Document. Urey then joined the CDC-led government to prosecute Cummings for forgery. Amb. Boakai and an array of ALP and UP high-ranking members served as witnesses in the case, which was later dropped by the state.

However, in the latest turn of events, Urey wondered why Boakai would spread “lies” about him on national radio.

“Worst case scenario, let’s say I told Joseph Boakai what he said I did, should he come on national radio to discuss what I said? Is this someone who wants to be president of Liberia? Talking about being ungrateful, this is it. Is this not the same man I defended during the presidential debate? I defended this old man because I thought he was a good character,” Urey said.

Urey added, “Now, I see why Ellen made the decision she made in 2017, and Liberians were jumping all over Ellen. I must use this platform to apologize to Ellen and all of those that we wrongly judged because of this man.”

MONROVIA – The Unity Party standard bearer Joseph Nyumah Boakai has revealed that he took a stand for peace in 2017 when he decided to concede defeat. He shared that he had received advice from Mr. Benoni Urey, the leader of the All Liberian Party (ALP), to protest against the election results that declared President George Weah the winner.

By Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

During his appearance on the Truth FM afternoon phone-in radio program on Monday, the former Vice President informed the public that he firmly held his position of nonviolence, despite Mr. Urey’s suggestion to mobilize 15,000 protesters against the election results.

“Mr. Urey told me that we could put 15,000 people in the streets. However, I wasn’t willing to put people in harm’s way. I couldn’t allow people to die because of me. Believe me, even if I had taken the country at that time, I wouldn’t be alive today.

“I think by now, Liberians are convinced that the decision they made wasn’t the right one, and they are ready to correct it. I felt cheated, I felt there were many violations at that time, but those were the sentiments of the young people.”

Boakai’s comments were made in response to questions from the host about his commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process and his statement that “no one man has a monopoly over violence.”

Urey had been a very strong ally of Boakai and supported him in the runoff election in 2017. However, recent strained relationship between the previously formidable pair climaxed in a bitter disagreement regarding the course of their political coalition for the October 10 elections, especially after Boakai picked Nimba County Senator Jeremiah Koung as his running mate. This selection which Urey strongly opposed ultimately shattered the previously unwavering connection they had shared.

At the same time, Boakai recalled that during the 2017 elections, even though Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf whom he served as Vice President had expressed her support for his candidature, did not support him during the elections.

“I was in an election that was not backed by a principal who had praised me all through… but we saw that she was distancing herself from me and we know when the incumbent is not in your favor,” he said.

It can be recalled that during the aftermath of the 2017 elections, the Unity Party  expelled Madam Sirleaf whom they accused of meddling in the presidential elections in which Joseph Boakai suffered a bruising defeat.

Madam Sirleaf and other high-ranking members of the party at the time were accused of sabotage.

Promising Liberia Good Leadership

Meanwhile, the UP standard bearer believes that Liberia, as a country with a long history, deserves leadership that can elevate it among other nations. He aspires to bring such leadership to the presidency.

“I am here to provide the kind of leadership that will make our country what it’s meant to be. I believe that if I haven’t done that, I wouldn’t have fulfilled the service God intends for me to provide. I can assure you that my leadership will transform our country into the nation it deserves to be.”

He pledged to lead with honesty and claimed that, unlike many politicians, he has never been associated with misappropriating government funds or engaging in corruption. He emphasized that he has always been blessed.

As President, he expressed his commitment to improving sanitation, making roads accessible for people to travel and conduct business, and enhancing healthcare institutions. He also challenged the incumbent President, George Weah, to participate in a presidential debate on the issues, stating, “I will not attend any debate that doesn’t include Weah.”

Juba – South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation, looked to Liberia for lessons on how to empower its women to maintain the peace and advance gender equality as the 11-year-old nation develops a new constitution that will pave the  way for  its first democratic elections in 2025.

By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

Former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf delivered the keynote address at South Sudan’s first International Women’s Conference on Transformational Leadership at the Radisson February 13-15 in Juba. 

The conference attracted nearly 500  national and international women leaders from 15 countries including Liberia, Mauritius, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia Kenya, Australia, the United Kingdom, Egypt and others. 

South Sudan’s Vice President responsible for the  Gender and Youth Cluster Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior (widow  of the late  Sudan People’s Liberation, SPLM leader Dr. John Garang), hosted the conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare; the National Transformational Leadership Institute at the University of Juba; and the United Nations under the leadership of Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General in the UN Mission in South Sudan and Resident Coordinator of the UN system and Humanitarian coordinator. 

In addition to Sirleaf, South Sudan invited Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee and seven Liberian feminist activists, working in civil society,  to participate in the three-day conference.

When Beysolow Nyanti conceptualized the idea of the conference and got the buy-in and approval of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Nyandeng, Sirleaf was the first person she contacted.

Beysolow Nyanti recalls hand delivering the letter to Sirleaf which she said was key to ensuring that a conference in Africa would get the traction it required. Nyandeng on her part said that Liberia and South Sudan share similar experiences. 

Both countries experienced war, women mobilized to bring peace and participated in transforming their respective countries. 

Liberia would go on to have Africa’s first democratically elected woman  president.“In my discussion with Rebecca, she reflected on the Liberian experience and for South Sudan to learn from our experience”, Sirleaf told participants via live video conference.  

“I have committed to work with the various stakeholders to achieve this objective, starting with our participation in this conference.  South Sudan is our continent’s youngest Republic, and we all have a responsibility to support nation building.’’

Madam Sirleaf recognized the role of the people of South Sudan in peacebuilding and the efforts of key actors, including women and UN agencies to  advance  gender equality. She cited President Salva Kiir Mayardit government’s decision to reserve 35 per cent of governance positions for women. 

So far, the country has reached 33 percent women representation in governance.  South Sudan has a woman   speaker of parliament and eight cabinet ministers including the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

“We are made proud each day when we learn of what looks like giant baby steps taken by the strong and resilient women of South Sudan to keep Africa’s newest country as one big unit,’’ Sirleaf said.

While acknowledging the gains, Sirleaf said South Sudan faces multiple forms of discrimination and barriers: two million women who are malnourished; 75 percent of girls are illiterate; increase in conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, especially in the displaced camps; women lack access to sanitation; and 45 percent of girls get married before the age of 18.Educating girls must be a priority.  

“That will be one of the keys to your success,’’ Sirleaf said. Women are game changers when they are protected in the socio-economic and political system, she said. She reminded South Sudan about Pope Francis’ message to them during his pilgrimage from Feb 3-5.

The Holy Father urged South Sudan to respect its women and children because they make up most of the country’s population. Women comprise 60 per cent of the country’s population of 10 million; and youth   make up 75 per cent.When women are given opportunities to develop in an enabling environment, “South Sudan will be peaceful and it will transform before our very eyes,’’ Sirleaf said.   

“I believe in the women of South Sudan. Continue to stand side-by side with your men to build   the prosperous nation you deserve.’’Madam Sirleaf recognized Beysolow Nyanti for her commitment to the people of South Sudan and noted that she was proud of this “strong, dynamic Liberian woman.’’Beysolow Nyanti said when she accepted the post in South Sudan, she was charged with the task of shifting the UN’s programming from humanitarian to development. South Sudan, she said, cannot develop without including its women in leadership and listening to their perspectives on the implementation of the peace agreement, the constitution and actively engaging them in the electoral process.“Coming to South Sudan was a gift and a blessing,’’ she said. 

“When you are called to serve the youngest nation in the world, you embrace it and engage stakeholders from around the world to help, ‘’ she said.

 “This conference is about my fundamental belief in the approach to nation building. Building and fixing nations cannot happen without women.’’

Beysolow Nyanti was lauded by donors such as Norway and the Netherlands for mobilizing women and resources from around the world to support the conference. Some of the high-profile speakers at the conference included Mauritius former President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Catherine Samba-Panza, former president of the Central African Republic and local and national women leaders in South Sudan and from the United Nations.

Other members of the Liberian delegation included Medina Wesseh, former secretary general of the Mano River Union, represented President Sirleaf; and Cerue Konah Garlo and Vabah Flomo, founding members of Liberia’s Mass Action for Peace campaign, the women’s group that contributed to ending the war.   

Other delegates were Cllr. Abla Gadegbeku Williams, one of the leading advocates for the rape law and other legal reforms to protect women; Norwu Harris, a climate justice activist; Aisha Kolubah, Strategic Lead of the Liberia Feminist Forum; and Dabah Varpilah, first national Vice Chair of the Unity Party.Some members of the Liberian delegation participated in panel discussions.

In a discussion on “Women’s Leadership Role in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building,’’  Nobel Laureate Gbowee shared how Liberian women mobilized to end the war in a discussion on  “Women’s Leadership Role in Conflict Resolution and Peace Building.’’  

Liberian women insisted on being part of the Accra Peace Talks, she said.After the peace agreement was signed, eighty women leaders spent three days pouring over the bulky peace agreement to simplify it, so women in the towns and villages across Liberia could understand it. The women set benchmarks for women’s participation in the disarmament process, voter and civic education and governance, Gbowee said.

South Sudanese women, she said, must take advantage of the extended transitional period to redefine what peace means to them. She urged them to avoid peace tourism—traveling to New York, Switzerland and other parts of the world to talk about peace. The Liberian women, she said, stayed home to fight for peace.

“You cannot bring peace to South Sudan in New York,’’ she said. “Peace must be fought at home. Do whatever you can to ensure peace is solidified in your country. Be involved in the political process to ensure that Africa’s youngest nation succeeds. To the powerful women of South Sudan, do not disappoint your children. It is not about you. It is about the future of your nation. You may not like each other, but you love South Sudan.’’

Cerue Konah Garlo participated in two discussions focusing on women’s peace and security and transitional justice. She called on South Sudan’s women to be “intentional and deliberate’ ’about their needs and ensure that their voices are reflected in the constitution and the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

The agreement calls for governance and security reforms, constitution development and the inclusion of women in key decision-making positions of at least 35 percent in all sectors.  It also includes provisions for opportunities to address women’s peace and security, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, economic and financial management reforms and transitional justice. 

The peace agreement was extended last August due to delays in implementation. Elections were expected to be held in February 2023, but it has been postponed to 2025.

She encouraged the women to build strong networks and mentor and nurture the younger generation. She told them to use community radio stations to advocate for their rights.Cllr. Gadegbeku Williams, who represented the Association of Female Lawyers in Liberia (AFELL) to the Accra Peace talk that ended the Liberian civil war, participated in a panel discussion on “Movement Building: Leading in a Digital Age”.  

She urged the women to use google and social media platforms as advocacy tools, and for networking and research.  When Liberian women began researching legal reforms on laws that discriminated against women, they scanned piles of  documents.  Today, the internet and other digital tools make it easier to communicate and conduct research, she said.  

“Use the Jehovah- witness style to talk to your sisters on the internet,’ she said.  “We should share information and give our voices to our sisters in need.’’In the panel discussion on “Climate, Conflict and Security: Building Resilience,’’ 

Norwu Harris said women must not be left behind in discussions on climate change.  “Climate change threatens every right we have as women, as humans, as citizens of South Sudan and Africa,’’ she said. “Climate change requires all hands-on deck. It affects everyone regardless of race, age, gender or religion. Climate change does not do a baseline study to see who it affects and why.’’

The historic gathering, dubbed Guwatamara (Strength of a Woman), discussed six themes: women peace and security; governance and political participation; women’s economic empowerment; climate change and its impact on gender equality; movement building and women’s leadership in civil society; and intergenerational pathways to leadership.

Beysolow Nyanti who opened and closed the conference said that South Sudanese women have been on a journey, they have sojourned at some places, some at which they have stayed too long, and they must rise and go the distance to build the prosperous nation that South Sudan can be.

An exhibition was held following the conference in honor of Madam Sirleaf, where she was seen moving healthily and having interactions with some attendees of the event, thus cooling anxieties in Liberia.

It is a moment many Liberians, particularly those who didn’t believe her death news have been anticipating.

Few months ago, ex-President Sirleaf announced that she was slowing down on all functions at home and abroad to repair a broken nerve, a surgery she has since recovered from.

After leaving the Presidency in 2018, Madam Sirleaf has been preoccupied with a galore of international assignments including Covid-19 increased responsibilities with the World Health Organization and the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary General.  

Before returning to Liberia for the Christmas holiday, she is expected in Washington DC at the call of President Joe Biden and in Arkansas with Hilary Clinton.

MONROVIA – Ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, 83, has dispelled speculations that she was flown to India for urgent medical attention as she “was seriously sick”.

Madam Sirleaf who has reduced her public appearances in Liberia was rather in Kenya where she led a UN High-level Advisory Board to hold talks with the newly elected President of Kenya Mr. William Ruto.

Ex-President Sirleaf tweeted on Wednesday: “Delighted to travel to Kenya and be able to spend time with H.E. President William Ruto and pleased to see the “healthy” interest so many in Liberia have taken in my visit.”

UN High-level Advisory Board members which included former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven (co-chair) visited President Ruto’s office to report to him about their Kenya Mission.

Madam Sirleaf since leaving office has been involved with international engagements geared towards peacebuilding, strengthening democracy and women empowerment.

The UN Secretary-General in March this year announced the establishment of a High‑level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism. 

The High-level Advisory Board was asked to build on the ideas in Our Common Agenda – including the centrality of women and girls, and the need to take into account the interests of young people and future generations – to make concrete suggestions for more effective multilateral arrangements across a range of key global issues. Their non-binding recommendations would inform deliberations by Member States at the proposed Summit of the Future.

The Board is supported in its work by the Centre for Policy Research of the United Nations University in close coordination with the Executive Office of the Secretary-General.

The High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism is composed of the following 12 eminent persons including Ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who often leads the delegation.