Liberia: Talking Drum Studio Liberia, Partners Conclude First-Ever Cross-Border Peacebuilding and Cultural Festival in Gbarpolu County - FrontPageAfrica

Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County– After years of unrest in Camp Alpha, a rural community in Kungba District near the Gola Forest National Park, Talking Drum Studio Liberia, in collaboration with its GOLA-REAP Partners, has concluded a three-day cross-border peacebuilding, dialogue and cultural festival aimed at restoring trust and strengthening cooperation among border communities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The festival, held over the weekend in Camp Alpha (Gbarpolu County) and neighboring communities in Farmah, Nomo Chiefdom and Zimi in Makpele Chiefdom across the Sierra Leone border, marks the first initiative of its kind since tensions erupted over land demarcation.

The dispute involved residents, the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA).

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, community members  and development partners.

It served as both a cultural celebration and a platform for dialogue, reconciliation and community healing through music, dance and traditional performances.

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 during the event, Tvogs Wrobeh, GOLA-REAP Project Manager at Talking Drum Studio Liberia, explained the intent of the initiative: “The gathering was designed to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and stronger collaboration among communities, traditional leaders, park rangers, and border authorities, while supporting the sustainable management of shared natural resources in the Gola region.”

He further emphasized, “The initiative seeks to strengthen trust among conservation actors and border institutions through culturally grounded engagement.”

“It also raises awareness about the importance of cross-border cooperation in advancing peacebuilding, forest conservation, security and community well-being through storytelling and participatory dialogue.”

Delivering the keynote address, Gbarpolu County Senator, Botoe Kanneh, highlighted the importance of collaboration and inclusion: “The value of cultural exchange, nonviolence, inclusion, and cross-border cooperation as pathways to sustainable peace.”

She added, “The shared history between Liberia and Sierra Leone provides a strong foundation for constructive dialogue and lasting reconciliation.”

Senator Kanneh also noted, “the event was timely and implemented using a conflict-sensitive and participatory approach aligned with the ‘do no harm’ principle, with strong attention to gender, age, and social inclusion.”

Residents participated in dialogue sessions centered on peacebuilding, reconciliation, border coexistence, and the management of shared natural resources.

Contributions came from women, youth, elders, and community leaders alongside public officials and institutional representatives.

During the event, Panelists were featured for discussions. 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, Bardio Kou, Deputy County Commander for Border Patrol (LIS), Gbarpolu County.

The festival underscores the growing importance of community-driven, cross-border engagement in addressing conflict, building trust, and strengthening peace and resilience in fragile border regions.

It also demonstrates how inclusive dialogue and cultural connection can promote social cohesion while supporting sustainable natural resource management in the Gola landscape.