New Peace Building Network in Mano-River Region
(Monrovia / Freetown, 09.04.2009) Partners of the Civil Peace Service of the German Protestant Church Development Service (zfd/EED) operating in the Mano-River Region – Sierra Leone and Liberia, concerned about the dire need to consolidate the hard won peace in our post war societies, agreed in Freetown in May 2008 to establish a peace building network.
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An important outcome of the 2008 meeting was the adoption of the CPS Mano River Region vision:-
- A sub-region characterized by a culture of peace, equality, justice, fair play and responsible citizens;
- A transparent and accountable governance system at all levels, capable of providing services for the citizens;
- Effective and efficient control of the economy and other state resources, utilized for the good of all;
- A sub-region free of ethnic and religious bigotry and where everyone enjoys equal rights, opportunities and protection;
- Providing the necessary enabling environment through advocacy and other peaceful means, for women and youth to fully realize their potentials;
- A vibrant and proactive Mano River Union (MRU) functioning in harmony with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to facilitate the unimpeded movement of people, goods and services within the region;
- Effective networking and cooperation among CPS Partner Organisations within the Mano River Region.
The Network has successfully concluded a training workshop held at Kimbima Hotel from 29th March - 2nd April 2009 , the Training activities focussed on:
- An in-depth discussion of the contextual meaning of peace work from the practical experiences of Partners' representatives and the facilitators.
- The need for context analysis, methods and tools used - an introduction to "Do No Harm" approach in development intervention.
- Impact analysis - methods and experiences of Partners Introduction of an Indicator Grid for impact analysis.
- Civil Peace Service policies, principles, roles and experiences of partners and seconded professionals.
- Multicultural Teambuilding - experiences, challenges and merits
Partners identified the following as major program thrusts for 2009/2010, proposing strategies, tools and methods in pursuance of positive change and stability in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Wider West African Context:
Concrete work in the field as well as National and International Advocacy on the following topics:
- Political tolerance and bridging of divides
- Youth migration/Empowerment
- Local and National Good Governance (Anti-corruption)
- Rural community, health and education
- Civic and Peace Education
- Gender Awareness, empowerment and sensitivity
- A culture of Negotiation, Healing and Reconciliation
- Awareness of and respect for Human Rights
In conclusion, Partners resolved to remain steadfast in pursuance of their vision for peace- ful co-existence in their organisations, operational communities in their respective countries and the sub-region.
The workshop was facilitated by the CPS (zfd/EED) Mobile Team for the Great Lakes and Mano River Regions - Mr. Flaubert Djateng and Mrs. Christiane Kayser, and hosted by the Sierra Leone Adult Education Association on behalf of CPS Partners in Sierra Leone
Shecku Kawusu Mansaray , CPS Focal Point in Sierra Leoney
Lancedell Mathews, CPS Focal point in Liberia