The Chairman of the signatories to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), J. Napoleon Toquie, is urging every well-meaning Liberian to Jealously guide and protect the hard-earned peace of the country, emphasizing that the signatories of the CPA will not tolerate or accept any form of anti-peace or unconstitutional activities from anyone or group of people.
Toquie said it can be recalled that on June 3, 2003 eighteen registered political parties and other stakeholders went to Accra, Ghana, to find a lasting peaceful solution to the Liberian civil crisis.
The framework of the ECOWAS peace process of Liberia, under the auspices of the Chairman of ECOWAS, His Excellency John A. Kufuor, former President of Ghana, and the mediation of General Abdusalami Abubakar, also former Head of State of Nigeria, gravely concerned about the civil war that engulfed Liberia and led to the loss of innumerable lives and the destructions of properties worth billions of United States dollars.
He said the destruction of infrastructures and properties led to the initiatives undertaken by the members of ECOWAS and the international community, aimed at bringing about a negotiable settlement of the conflict in Liberia.
According to him, the initiatives gave birth to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Accra, Ghana, on August 18, 2003.
He made the statement during the Kukatornon Peace Festival, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex on August 19, 2022. He said, to preserve the legacy of such a magnificent achievement, the signatories to the CPA have decided to organize themselves into a group that will be known as the Organization of Signatories to the Accra Peace Agreement (OSAPA). “The aims and objectives are to closely work with the Government of Liberia (GOL), ECOWAS member states and the international community for the sustenance of peace to promote democracy and respect for fundamental human rights, human dignity, etc.
The Chairman disclosed that OSAPA will endeavor to develop a trust and confidence mechanism that will facilitate genuine healing and reconciliation amongst Liberians, in order to have sustainable peace and security; and to ensure that the differences among the people are settled so that the people will refrain from violence and the use of hate speeches.
Toquie said there are two outstanding individuals who have ascended to the presidency of Liberia since the civil crisis ended: Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah.
He thanked Ambassador Queen Julie Endee and the Liberia Crusaders for Peace for the true patriotism and nationalism demonstrated over the years in keeping the torch of peace burning through the Kukatornon (we are one) peace festival.
He acknowledged the Government of Liberia (GOL) as a major stakeholder and partner in this worthy cause, and hoped that it can continue to support this well meaning initiative for the country.
“The principle pillar of lasting peace and the reconciliation is to continue talking or engaging one another in a peaceful manner, in order to resolve differences,” Toquie stated.
He said August 19, 2022 marked the 19th year of peaceful co-existence in Liberia since the CPA came into force, with Liberians and non-Liberians enjoying peace in the country.
