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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: Former Liberian Foreign Minister and Dean of the Cabinet, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., has warned that growing political tensions, weakened public confidence in institutions and the selective application of justice could threaten Liberia’s hard-won peace.
Speaking as Special Keynote Speaker at the First International Peace Summit 2026 on Monday, September 21 through virtual conference, Ambassador Kemayah said lasting peace depends largely on credible diplomacy, justice under the rule of law and strong institutions that citizens can trust.
The summit was held as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of Peace under the theme, “One World, One Humanity, One Future.”
Kemayah said the international community is facing a difficult period marked by armed conflicts, increasing geopolitical tensions, deepening humanitarian crises and declining confidence in national and international institutions.
According to him, diplomacy must remain the first line of defense because preventing conflict is less costly than attempting to resolve it after violence has already begun.
He called for greater investment in early-warning systems, mediation, confidence-building measures and sustained dialogue, stressing that communication should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Dialogue is not capitulation. Negotiation is not surrender. Diplomacy is not weakness,” Kemayah said, arguing that diplomatic channels become even more important when relationships between parties become strained.
Peace Must Be Anchored in Justice
The former minister said diplomacy alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, warning that peace without justice remains fragile.
He said societies become unstable when citizens believe that laws are applied selectively, institutions serve particular interests or political power determines who receives justice.
Kemayah maintained that no one should be above the law, while at the same time no one should be denied the protection of the law.
Addressing political transitions, he said elections and democratic processes must be free, fair, transparent and inclusive, while accountability for former public officials must be based on credible evidence, due process and impartiality.
He cautioned that when prosecution becomes politically motivated, it risks being perceived as persecution rather than justice.
“The answer to impunity is credible justice; not selective justice and political witch-hunt,” he said.
Judiciary Seen as Institution of Peace
Kemayah also described the judiciary as an important institution for maintaining peace, saying courts provide peaceful alternatives to confrontation by allowing disputes to be resolved through established legal processes.
He said judicial institutions become particularly important when constitutional disputes or contested elections threaten to create political instability.
He therefore called for stronger support to the judiciary, describing such support as an investment in national stability.
Kemayah Raises Concern Over Liberia
Turning to Liberia, Kemayah recalled the country’s 14 years of civil conflict and more than two decades of efforts to rebuild peace.
He expressed concern over what he described as rising political tensions linked to highly charged prosecutions of former government officials.
According to Kemayah, questions surrounding the administration of justice and what he characterized as the politicization of accountability are contributing to mistrust between government and opposition forces.
He warned that if citizens begin to doubt the impartiality of national institutions, the foundations of peace could become vulnerable.
He further warned that deepening political mistrust could widen divisions ahead of future elections, push grievances from institutions into the streets and create conditions in which demonstrations could escalate into clashes and broader instability.
“Conflict does not begin when a first gun is fired. It begins when trust dies, institutions lose credibility, political opponents become enemies, and citizens cease to believe that justice will protect them equally,” Kemayah said.
Leadership Urged to Lower Political Tensions
The former foreign minister also called for responsible political leadership, stressing that statements from political leaders can either reduce tensions or intensify them.
He urged leaders to recognize that political opponents are not necessarily enemies of the state and said government and opposition can disagree strongly while still operating within the constitutional order.
According to Kemayah, the strength of democratic leadership is demonstrated not only by defeating opponents, but also by creating enough common ground for former adversaries to coexist peacefully.
Calls for Stronger Institutions and Preventive Action
Kemayah proposed a number of measures aimed at preventing political and social crises, including stronger early-warning systems, standing mediation teams and confidential communication channels between governments and political parties.
He also urged governments to use confidence-building measures such as cross-party consultations, parliamentary dialogue and regional diplomatic consultations.
He said such measures should be implemented before crises escalate.
“Do not wait for the fire before building the fire brigade,” he said.
He further called for stronger protection of the independence of the judiciary, electoral bodies, legislatures and other constitutional institutions.
Kemayah said appointments to key independent institutions should follow transparent and merit-based procedures, while removals from office should be conducted through lawful processes rather than political convenience.
Media Urged to Promote Responsible Reporting
The former minister also highlighted the role of the media in preserving peace.
He urged journalists to provide citizens with facts rather than deliberately deepening political divisions.
He also called for responsible efforts to address disinformation and incitement while protecting legitimate freedom of expression.
Calls for Confidence in International Institutions
At the international level, Kemayah said multilateral institutions must demonstrate consistency, transparency and accountability if they are to maintain public confidence.
He argued that smaller states, developing countries and vulnerable populations must have confidence that international laws apply fairly, regardless of the power or status of those involved.
He said perceived double standards weaken confidence in the international system and called for greater representation and transparency within international institutions.
“One World, One Humanity, One Future”
In his closing remarks, Kemayah said peace should be treated as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time event.
He urged governments to exercise power responsibly, respect opposition, preserve judicial independence, uphold impartial justice and keep diplomatic channels open during periods of disagreement.
He concluded by calling for dialogue instead of confrontation, diplomacy instead of escalation, justice instead of vengeance, institutions instead of personalities and cooperation instead of isolation.
“Lasting peace cannot be imposed by force alone. It must be built through trust, protected by justice, sustained through dialogue, and anchored in institutions that command the confidence of the people they serve,” Kemayah said.
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