Mobile Peace Team (MPT) Community Cycle Discussion, 2025

BY

Benedict Knuckles & Tamba Flomo

A team of six everyday gandhis (eg) staff members conducted a community circle on March 27, 2025, in Samodu Town, Quardu Gboni District, Lofa County, to discuss possible ways to locally prevent or resolve conflicts through a grassroots community peacebuilding initiative. The selection of the location was based on the history of its deep involvement in the 13-year Liberian civil war; many argue that the dominant tribes of the region felt marginalized by the regime, which was one of the root causes of the civil crisis or unrest. One hundred and five participants attended the circle discussing ways to prevent and resolve conflicts at the community level and border issues/disputes. Participants included local authorities from surrounding towns and villages.

As always, the goal of everyday gandhis remains listening and hearing from the circle. Therefore, participants were asked, ‘From the past brutal civil crisis, what can we do as regional citizens to prevent similar experiences and live in peace and harmony with our neighbors?’ Many participants began by recognizing the past suffering they underwent; therefore, they are willing to do everything right to prevent conflict and violence in the region. As the discussion moved around the circle, many things were pointed out that can help avoid conflict and violence, including building a friendly relationship with bordering towns in Guinea-Conakry; through a peace initiative circle like the MPT, where people can learn basic things to do to avoid conflict; soccer peace games among towns and villages in the border regions; encouraging intermarriages; and a cultural festival where tribes can display their unique cultures; or simply file in complain to the leadership.

After a lengthy discussion on local preventive methods of conflicts and violence, a follow-up question was asked: ‘If conflict still occurs in any way, what can we do to prevent it from spilling out of control?’ Many answers around the circle suggested sitting with both sides when possible. If not, meet both parties involved separately, hear from them, and try to resolve the conflict as best as possible at the grassroots level. It was also suggested from the answers that it is best for one side of the party involved to step down; doing so doesn’t mean you have surrendered your right to him or her, but to avoid escalating the conflict, and it should be recognized so that many will learn and follow. Finally, everyday gandhis Mobile Peace Team (MPT) will always remain committed to sustaining peace and stability in the border regions of Guinea-Conakry, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.