To Settle Political Differences
The local advocacy group operating in Montserrado, Bong and Gbaporlu counties, “Domafeign”, launches a traditional festival to reunite citizens of Gbaporlu County who have been massively divided.
Domafeign is using the traditional festive style to bring back the locals together who got divided over their respective political alliances and when separate ways in giving their support to their candidates of their choice.
The political struggle didn’t only cause division but infused sour relationships by putting towns and villages against each other and resulting in the decline in cultural values.
Speaking at the launched, in Cassel village on January 1, 2024. The Chief Executive Director of Domafeign Liberia, Mr. Boimah J. Coleman, disclosed that the recent elections created unprecedented hatred among the people of county and nest thing needed now is unity to keep the county moving they right trajectory.
He however disclosed that, as a NGO involved into Human Rights advocacy, they are using the occasion to also speak about the important of eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
” The traditional festival has three different segments, the indoor is where will discussed and settle electoral related conflicts, we will also meet in the Shrine, where only the traditional members who are part of sande and poro will attend to discuss about the important of the ban on the FGM, after that, we will climax with huge performance of Mark Dancers,” Mr. Coleman told Journalists who went to cover the program.
He Said, the are using the festival to reach at the breath and length of the County to settle every electoral related issue among the people and reunite them as one, again.
The Festival was launched in Cassel village which brought together local leaders from nine towns and villages, including: Njaboi,Weafua, Yangaryah, Zuo, Okai’s Village, Gbarma, Momoh Seh Village , Gbanday and Cassel Village.
Speaking at the program, the general town chief of Yangaryah clan in Gbarma district, Chief Jame O .Borbor, said the action taken by Domafeign is the only option to put the county and its people on the right path.
According to him, the differences among them have hindered the developmental growth in their localities and the only way to break the barrier is the call for dialogue to have the issues settle and move forward as Domafeign is doing.
Chief Borbor applauded Domafeign and their partner
“ActionAid Liberia” for their persistent support to building up their county and providing awareness among them to live in harmony.
Also speaking, Madam Hawa Armah, clan Chairlady for Yangaryah, explained that the last elections brought hatred to the extent that until now, more people in the communities, towns and villages can’t speak to each other nor identify with one another.
Chairlady Hawa sees the traditional festival as a boost to re-awaken the cultural values that hold them together.
” I am happy, because I am sure we will be coming back together, I have been going from village to village talking to our people to forget about what happened during the elections. From here again, I will mobilize our people to convey a peace message to those who are not there today,” Chairlady Hawa Armah committed.
She added her voice to Domafeign message and call on women and youths to re-unite and work for the common goal of the county.
However, she is calling on ActionAid Liberia and their implementing partner, Domafeign to empower with the necessary materials needed to get rid of the harmful part of the traditional practices ” FGM” and continue with the positive part of the culture that holds them together.
In conclusion, the oldest and prominent elder of Cassel Village, Pa Samuel D. Komuquiah sr. Applauded Domafeign and ActionAid Liberia for their peaceful traditional festival and said he is against political differences that result in internal conflict.
Komuquiah sees the festival as a progress saying that the culture has been divided.
“Nobody has seen a reason to put the culture together; only ActionAid Liberia through Domafeign is trying to do so. We will work with them to the end in order to re- unite with each for a single goal of the county”, Komuquiah assured.
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