– in Gbarpolu
By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
Talking Drum Studio Liberia, in collaboration with its GOLA-REAP partners, has concluded a landmark three-day cross-border peacebuilding, dialogue, and cultural festival aimed at restoring trust and strengthening cooperation among communities along the Liberia–Sierra Leone border.
The event, held in Camp Alpha, Kungba District, Gbarpolu County, and extended to neighboring communities in Farmah, Nomo Chiefdom, and Zimi in Makpele Chiefdom across Sierra Leone, marks the first initiative of its kind following years of tension in the region. The unrest stemmed from disputes over land demarcation involving residents, the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA).
Bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, community members, and development partners, the festival celebrated shared cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional performances. It also provided a platform for dialogue, reconciliation, and community healing.
Funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and implemented by Talking Drum Studio Liberia, the program was held under the theme: “Building Trust and Inclusion for Peace: Strengthening Collaboration among Communities, Rangers, and Border Authorities in the GOLA-REAP Communities.”
Speaking at the event, GOLA-REAP Project Manager at Talking Drum Studio Liberia, Tvogs Wrobeh, said the initiative was designed to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and stronger collaboration among communities, traditional leaders, park rangers, and border authorities. He emphasized the importance of sustainable management of shared natural resources in the Gola region.
According to him, the initiative seeks to strengthen trust among conservation actors and border institutions through culturally grounded engagement, while raising awareness about the importance of cross-border cooperation in advancing peacebuilding, forest conservation, and community well-being through storytelling and participatory dialogue.
Delivering the keynote address, Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh highlighted cultural exchange, nonviolence, inclusion, and cross-border collaboration as critical pathways to sustainable peace. She noted that the shared history between Liberia and Sierra Leone provides a solid foundation for meaningful dialogue and long-term reconciliation.
Senator Kanneh further described the initiative as timely and responsive, noting that it was implemented using a conflict-sensitive and participatory approach aligned with the “do no harm” principle, with strong emphasis on gender, youth, and social inclusion.
As part of the program, residents participated in dialogue sessions focused on peacebuilding, reconciliation, border coexistence, and the management of shared natural resources. Women, youth, elders, and community leaders shared their experiences and perspectives, alongside contributions from public officials and institutional representatives.
Panelists included Oliver Gibson, Chief Park Warden of Gola Park; McGill Wureh, Paramount Chief of Kungba District; Princess Jalloh, Women’s Chairperson of Camp Alpha; Robert Garsia, Youth Chairperson of Camp Alpha; and Bardio Kou, Deputy County Commander for Border Patrol (LIS), Gbarpolu County.
The festival underscores the growing importance of community-driven, cross-border initiatives in addressing conflict, building trust, and strengthening resilience in fragile border communities. It also demonstrates how inclusive dialogue and cultural exchange can foster social cohesion while supporting sustainable natural resource management in the Gola landscape.
