-Launch Chair for Peace Building, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation, National Unity
By Jerromie S. Walters
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the Angle Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security (ABIC) jointly with Cuttington University launched the Reverend William R. Tolbert, III Chair for Peace Building, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation, and National Unity at CuttingtonUniversity Graduate School in Congo Town.
The event was attended by astute guests including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees of CuttingtonUniversity, the President of Cuttington University, Dr. Romelle A. Horton, foreign diplomats, and other key stakeholders, Madam Olubanke King-Akerele of the Liberian Institute for “Growing” Patriotism, Cllr. Yvette Chesson Wureh of ABIC among others.
Earlier in the overview, Madam Olubanke King-Akereleinformed her audience that the Reverend William R., Tolbert, III Chair for Peace Building, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation & National Unity is a joint Initiative of Cuttlngton University, the Liberian Institute for “Growing” Patriotism LIGP) and the Angle Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security (ABIC).
In the words of Madam King-Akerele, the concept of a University or a National Chair is established to memorialize the life and legacy of the individual after whom it is named. Interestingly, this Chair will be a first in Liberia.
In a special remark, President Boakai expressed his gratitude to Cuttington University and partner organizations for their foresight in establishing the chair, which honors the late Reverend William R. Tolbert, III. He shared personal anecdotes of Reverend Tolbert’s dedication to peace and reconciliation, highlighting his optimism and resilience in the pursuit of a peaceful nation.
The President emphasized the importance of promoting peace and justice in Liberia, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved when all citizens work together to heal the wounds of the past. He commended the efforts of the Chair for Peace Building in educating and inspiring others to prioritize peace and unity in the country.
President Boakai officially declared the Reverend William R. Tolbert, III Chair for Peace Building, Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation, and National Unity launched, expressing confidence that it will serve as a beacon of hope and progress for Liberia and beyond.
In closing, President Boakai reiterated his commitment to building a peaceful and united nation, urging all Liberians to come together in the spirit of love and patriotism to support the Chair’s mission. He concluded with a message of hope and unity, calling on all citizens to think, love, and build Liberia for a brighter future.
Like Madam King-Akerele, Cllr. Yvette Chesson Wurehof the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace, and Security (ABIC) expressed the institution’s pride in being involved in the establishment of the Chair. She described the Chair as a symbol of hope, especially being the first of its kind in Liberia and named after the late Peace Ambassador.
She emphasized the importance of honoring Mr. Tolbert’s legacy and highlighted his significant contributions to peacemaking in Liberia. Cllr. Wurehstressed the need for all Liberians to work together to preserve the existing peace, as she reflected on the tragic loss of Mr. Tolbert in 2021, which she described as senseless violence.
Cllr. Yvette Chesson Wureh commended Madam Olubanke King-Akerele for her invaluable efforts in promoting peace in Liberia and acknowledged the support of the President of Cuttington University in the establishment of the Chair.
Furthermore, Cllr. Wureh mentioned that ABIC’s role in the process goes beyond mere participation, as they will actively contribute to the operational aspects of the Chair from their office on the Cuttington University campus in Bong County. She also disclosed that ABIC would provide expertise to the advisory committee, assist in peace-building initiatives, and collaborate on research and training programs with partners in Geneva under the supervision of an ABIC Board member and Head of the ABIC Geneva office.
Meanwhile, the Tolbert family expressed their gratitude for the spotlight on their family history and contributions to Liberia through the launch of the Chair. They believe that education is key to bringing about positive change in the country.
Dr. Romelle A. Horton, the president of CuttingtonUniversity emphasized the university’s dedication to promoting sustainable peace in Liberia. She commended the establishment of the William Tolbert Chair for Peace and Unity, led by Liberia, as a milestone for the country.
She stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving change and maintaining peace through education. Dr. Horton highlighted the university’s involvement in Liberian education and praised Cllr. King-Akerele, ABIC, and all those involved in the Chair launch stated that Liberia is on the path to progress.
Background
Liberia’s National Peace Ambassador- Rev, William R. Tolbert, III was brutally murdered on 1st November 2021, This, even though his essence was Peace, National Healing, and Reconciliation, which he saw as the benchmark for sustaining “Mama” Liberia’s peace. To date, there has yet to be closure on the investigation of the murder which the organizers believe is unacceptable.
While alive, Ambassador- Rev, William R. Tolbert, IIIexpressed publicly to the admiration of the audience that he has “Forgiven those who assassinated his father and called on others to exhibit the spirit of genuine forgiveness as & sustainable healing processes for the Nation”. (March 2018 Reconciliation conf. MCC)
In his peace message, he reminded the Liberian citizenry that “Peace is not an event but process”, “Rather” he said, Liberians must be prepared to do what is necessary to sustain the peace following years of conflict. “Thus, we must be proactive and Initiate appropriate Interventions with sustaining our national peace as our! purposes unity as the focus and sincerity of work and commitment as our driving desire” (National Unification Day. 14 May 2019).
Organization of the Chair Institutional Base
Earlier at the event, Madam King-Akerele said the Chair will be part of the Global Studies program in Monrovia at the CU Graduate School of Professional Studies; the operational dimension will be from the Angie Brooks International Center Chief Suakoko Center on the campus of Cuttington University in Bong County, In concert with Joseph Guannu’s Institute of Peace & Conflict Resolution together with the junior college in Kakata’s joint Reverend Emmanuel Bowier program of CU and LIGP for sustaining Liberia’s peace through community engagements for conflict prevention and peace-building as coordination mechanism of the chair.
