Peace in the African continent seems to be as elusive as it is precious, especially so in countries which are still picking up the pieces from a history of violent confrontation. Indeed, history has a place in explaining the conflicts but PROCMURA can testify that the Liberian people are resolved to maintaining a lasting peace despite their historical antecedents. During a visit to Monrovia, the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) held a 3 day conference on Religion and Conflict Prevention/Reconciliation and Peace Building for Christian and Muslim leaders in Liberia from 23-25 March 2010.
The visit came hot on the heels of an outbreak of violence in Lofa County, between Christians and Muslims. The conference could not have been more ideal, given the prevailing tension among Christians and Muslims and an impending election that is bound to raise the stakes.
However, under invitation from PROCMURA and hosted by the Liberian Christian Council (LCC), Christian and Muslim leaders were provided with a much needed forum to engage one other, openly and frankly on contentious issues. The deliberations were geared towards reconciling the two faith groups with a special emphasis on peace building, fostering cooperation and collaboration.
In this bid to nurture cordial relations and mitigate conflict, the meetings took place with the aim of setting up a framework which can be translated into practical action at the grassroots.
The conference was highly successful, it hailed a number of achievement among them a Communiqué from the Christian, Muslim and civil society members present. Secondly, a working framework for engagement between Christians and Muslims was drafted with a check points system to foster better relations.
The biggest achievement that can be pointed out at this juncture vis-à-vis the conference, is the capacity building element of it. The lectures were inspired and the messages very clear, there are rules of engagement; these follow a pacifist principle, one shared by both Christianity and Islam. Peace remains rooted injustice and love. The conference which enjoyed substantive air play in both electronic and print media, only served to reinforce the determination of the Liberians in understanding where they came from and mastering their destiny.
What follows is a link to the actual report, these contains papers presented, extracts from lectures and recommendations on the way forward.
LIBERIA REPORT 2010
