Liberia marks 21 years of peace following the end of its brutal civil war, which claimed the lives of over 250,000 people. A comprehensive peace agreement was signed in August 2003 in Accra, Ghana, after which successful democratic transitions have taken place. The founder of the African Youth Fellowship-Lib (AYF), Ambassador Moses Buwee, has called on the nation’s youth to remain steadfast in sustaining Liberia’s peace.
Reflecting on the progress made over the past two decades, Ambassador Buwee paid tribute to the dedication of Liberia’s youth, who have been at the forefront of efforts to maintain the peace. “For 21 years, we have enjoyed peace, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts and commitment of all Liberians, especially the young people. It is this same commitment that we must now renew to ensure that our peace is not just maintained but strengthened,” he affirmed.
Ambassador Buwee spoke on Thursday, August 1, 2024, during the launch of the AYF’s online Youth Magazine, a publication dedicated to highlighting the transformative impact of youth who are making tremendous impact in their communities across Liberia.
During his address, Ambassador Buwee urged the youth to continue leading campaigns that celebrate and uphold Liberia’s peace, emphasizing that their involvement is important, not only for the present, but also for the long-term stability and prosperity of the nation. “The future of Liberia rests in our hands. It is your energy, your ideas, and your passion that will drive this country forward,” he stated with conviction.
Acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Ambassador Buwee spoke candidly about poverty and the huge unemployment rate that continue to threaten to disrupt the peace. He called upon the government and other stakeholders to create avenues for young people to engage, innovate, and lead in constructive ways. “We must engage the minds of our youth with innovative and constructive activities that channel their energy into positive endeavors,” he stated.
Ambassador Buwee emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for youth to contribute to society in meaningful ways, underscoring that such engagement is key to preventing them from falling into negative influences that could jeopardize the nation’s stability. “Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today,” he proclaimed.
In addition, Ambassador Buwee expressed his appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for advocating for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court through a letter to the United Nations. However, he urged President Boakai to continue to promote accountability if he is to be remembered. The AYF leader emphasized the importance of promoting accountability and strengthening the justice system to ensure that citizens can continue to sustain the peace.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Buwee reaffirmed his commitment to empowering young Liberians. He called on all youth to remain vigilant, proactive and united in their efforts to sustain the peace of Liberia.
This August marks twenty-one years of peace in Liberia. Following the civil war, which claimed the lives of over 250,000 people. A comprehensive peace agreement was signed in August 2003 in Accra, Ghana. Since then, Liberia has sustained a period of uninterrupted stability, transforming from one of the most volatile to one of the most peaceful nations in West Africa.