MONROVIA-Talking Drum Studio Liberia has held a one-day Peace and Cultural Festival in Porkpa District, Grand Cape Mount County, aimed at promoting unity, strengthening cross-border relations and addressing land-related tensions in border communities.
The festival, held under the theme “Dialogue for Peace, Land, Resources, Governance, and Community Benefits,” brought together residents, traditional leaders, local government officials, youth representatives and community members from Liberia and neighboring Sierra Leone.
The event was organized under the GOLA-REAP Project—Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding—implemented by Talking Drum Studio Liberia in partnership with the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners.
The project seeks to build trust among border communities, strengthen social cohesion and provide platforms for dialogue on land ownership, natural resources, governance and environmental security.
During the festival, participants identified illegal land sales, weak land documentation and social exclusion as some of the major factors contributing to conflicts in communities.
Youth Coordinator Lahai Sheriff called on residents to desist from illegal land transactions, while urging greater investment in vocational training and other opportunities for young people.
District Commissioner Isatta Massaquoi cautioned against creating divisions by labeling community members as either “indigenes” or “strangers,” stressing the importance of inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
The Statutory Development Superintendent, meanwhile, said unresolved land ownership disputes remain a major source of tension in the district.
He called for proper land surveys and increased dialogue between communities and concession companies to ensure that land and other natural resources contribute to local development.
Speaking on behalf of Talking Drum Studio Liberia, Tvogs Wrobeh said the festival was intended to lay the foundation for more inclusive peacebuilding at the town, district and county levels.
Wrobeh emphasized the need for sustained support from donors and development partners to expand peacebuilding initiatives and maintain stability in border communities.
Community leader Troas Robeh also urged residents to resolve their differences through dialogue and collective responsibility, stressing that sustainable peace requires the participation of all community members.
The festival concluded with traditional dance performances, showcasing the cultural heritage of Porkpa District and highlighting the role of culture, identity and community unity in promoting peace.
Organizers said the festival forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community resilience and peaceful coexistence among populations living along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.
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