Platform for Dialogue and Peace (P4DP) , a Think Tank nonprofit peace building institution said it has been following with concern the unfolding troubling events in Zwedru and its environs which are in connection with the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Alfred T. Dunner, County Logistic Officer of the National Elections Commission (NEC) in Grand Gedeh County.
A press release issued and signed by Mr. James Shilue, Executive Director, said as a peacebuilding organization, P4DP is gravely concerned with the reported disappearance of Mr. Dunner and the corresponding wave of protests and acrimonies which have disrupted peace and normal business activities in Zwedru and Niao Communities.
“It is troubling to note that the persistent state of confusion and ongoing toxic exchanges among key stakeholders in Grand Gedeh County have posed serious threats to peace, social cohesion and security. As such, we hereby call on all stakeholders, including youth and women groups, local civil society and community-based organizations, and all other parties to desist from engaging in activities that may further inflame the situation but rather encourage them to adopt a path of peaceful dialogue aimed at deescalating prevailing tension in the interest of the county.
“We wish to also call on the government and all relevant authorities to invest genuine efforts to amicably address the current saga surrounding Mr. Alfred T. Dunner. Realizing that geopolitical crisis beyond the shores of Liberia is claiming the attention of global, regional and national authorities, we urge all stakeholders to be conflict-sensitive to not only further inflame the situation and undermine the search for Mr. Dunner but to understand that violence is not the solution to resolving societal problem”, the release said.
The organization called for calm among the citizens and implored the Government of Liberia to congregate the citizens through peaceful means to utilize conflict sensitive and all legitimate means at the disposal of the state. “Let it be realized that violence and political upheaval decrease civic space, fertilize the atmosphere for human rights abuses and usher a state of anarchy. In this regard, P4DP anticipates that the Government will develop clear plans, timelines, and commitment in an effort to restore hope to the family and bring calm to the county”, the release further said
The release continued by stating that it entreats the State security agencies to respect fundamental human rights as the security forces endeavor to curtail unscrupulous elements who may try to exploit the situation. It added that Similarly, while the institution welcomes the gathering of citizens under the banner of speaking out against the mysterious disappearance of a law-abiding citizen as their civic responsibility to hold their government accountable consistent with the ethos of good governance, it is equally expected that the protesters will adhere to the rule of law in order to keep the county peaceful.
“P4DP is a leading nongovernmental organization (NGO) that is involved in research and participatory action activities aimed at strengthening the capacities of State and Non-State Actors to prevent, manage and transform conflict through collaborative action.
“As part of effort to support the Government of Liberia in fostering peace, national reconciliation and social cohesion in Liberia, P4DP is currently implementing a peacebuilding project in Grand Gedeh and Sinoe Counties which is being funded by the UN Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)”, the release concluded.
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