In an effort to combat the involvement of young people in electoral violence, the Liberia Council of Churches through its Youth Desk (LCCYD), has launched an initiative title “Youth against Electoral Violence.”
Liberia is set to witness its first major post-war election without the presence of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on October 10, 2023 amid the already growing wave of electoral violence, provocations and hate speeches.
For a country like Liberia which has a youthful population, most youth are used as perpetrators of violence during elections by “wicked and selfish” politicians.
The LCCYD initiative on “Youth against Electoral Violence” seeks to train religious youths on conflict mediation, prevention and community engagement.
A total of 120 youth volunteer will be trained and deployed to serve as community focused group in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Bomi, Nimba, and Lofa counties.
Speaking at the official launch of the project, the chairman of the LCCYD Mr. Jerome J. Jallah urged participants attending the launch and training to propagate messages of peace during and after the electoral process.
He stated that the church is a part of the society and must address societal issues that endanger the progress of the society while calling on people involved in hate speeches to desist.
He cautioned young people to not be used for little or nothing by politicians to get involved in protestation, throwing stones, toting casket and other acts that could derail the peace and stability of Liberia.
The LCCYD National Religious Youth Stakeholder Dialogue is expected to climax on Thursday, August 30, 2023 where the Montserrado Youth against Electoral Violence will be deployed to begin to spread messages of peace and violence free elections pending training and deployment of youths in the remaining counties.
