-If Divisions Persist
By SHALLON S. GONLOR |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — The Chiefs and Elders Council of Nimba County, one of Liberia’s most politically influential and vote-rich counties, has warned that it may organize a countywide peaceful demonstration, if Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung fails to intervene to help resolve the growing political divisions and confusion among the sons and daughters of Nimba.
According to the Council, escalating political tensions and public disagreements among key stakeholders are threatening the county’s long-standing peace, unity, and social cohesion. The traditional leaders stressed that Nimba’s hard-earned unity —built over decades through reconciliation, mutual respect, and collective sacrifice —must not be undermined by political rivalry or personal interests.
The Council meanwhile called on Vice President Koung — the county’s highest-ranking elected official in the Government, to take a leading role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual respect among political leaders and influential citizens. They cautioned that failure to address the growing divisions could compel the Council and concerned citizens to stage a peaceful countywide demonstration in defense of Nimba’s unity, peace, and future development.
Despite the warning, the Council issued a passionate appeal to political leaders, stakeholders, and citizens across the county to set aside their political differences and work together in the spirit of unity, peace, and reconciliation to advance Nimba’s development agenda.
The traditional leaders made the appeal on Saturday during the “One Nimba” Peace Talk Gathering held in Gipo Township.
The event brought together a broad cross-section of Nimba citizens, including chiefs and elders, elected and appointed government officials, the Nimba County Administration, women and youth organizations, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and ordinary citizens.
The gathering was organized to promote dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and reaffirm Nimba County’s longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence at a time when political divisions have become increasingly pronounced.
Speaking during the forum, members of the Chiefs and Elders Council emphasized that sustainable development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of political hostility and division. They urged all political actors to place the county’s collective interests above personal ambitions and partisan considerations.
According to the elders, Nimba has historically played a pivotal role in Liberia’s political landscape, making it imperative for its leaders and citizens to preserve the peace and unity that have contributed to the county’s stability and socioeconomic progress.
The peace initiative comes amid growing political tensions involving some of Nimba County’s leading political figures, fueled by competing political interests and public disagreements that have sparked widespread debate among residents.
The situation was further heightened following the recent decision by traditional leaders and residents of Zor Chiefdom in Electoral District #3 to bestow the honorary title of “Godfather of Nimba” upon Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar. The recognition has generated mixed reactions across the county, with supporters describing it as a cultural acknowledgment of the senator’s leadership and contributions, while critics contend that the title has deepened political polarization.
Concerned that the ongoing disagreements could undermine peace, stability, and development, the Chiefs and Elders Council urged citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and reconciliation as the foundation for resolving differences.
They further called on political leaders to demonstrate statesmanship by engaging one another constructively and refraining from actions or public statements that could inflame tensions or create unnecessary divisions within communities.
The Council also reminded the people of Nimba that while political competition is a fundamental aspect of democracy, it should never supersede the county’s shared aspirations for peace, sustainable development, and prosperity.
The “One Nimba” Peace Talk Gathering concluded with participants renewing their commitment to fostering unity, strengthening collaboration among political and traditional leaders, and preserving the peaceful coexistence that has long defined Nimba County. Participants also pledged to continue promoting dialogue and reconciliation as essential pillars for safeguarding the county’s stability and ensuring inclusive development for future generations.
