Johnny Ndebe is a national dispute resolution monitor for Â鶹´«Ã½ in Liberia.
Last year, I was notified that a crowd of protesters had blockaded a bridge a few hours from Monrovia, Liberia, where I work as the national dispute monitor with Â鶹´«Ã½.
The demonstrators were upset that the person elected to represent them in the national legislature had not been seated a year after the election because of legal proceedings. They were blocking a key bridge to bring attention to their complaint, blocking traffic for miles in each direction.
I drove the four hours from Monrovia to the scene of the protest, where police appeared to be preparing for a violent confrontation with the demonstrators.
While on the way, I had called few traditional stakeholders from the region who I know, who have been benefiting from Â鶹´«Ã½ training and other activities, and they informed the protesters that I was coming there to engage with them. When I got there, they recognized me, and they had confidence that I was there to listen to them and get this situation resolved.
Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Johnny Ndebe, in red-and-white checked shirt at center, sits with traditional leaders and others blocking a bridge to protest Lofa County’s lack of representation in the Liberian Senate. Ndebe’s good relations with the protesters helped resolve the situation. (Photo: Courtesy Johnny Ndebe)
I spent three nights on the bridge with the protesters, listening to their demands and gaining their trust. I carried their concerns to the police commander, relaying the message that they intended for it to remain a peaceful demonstration. I then escorted the commander to a meeting with the protest leaders.
The protesters then shared their food with tired and hungry police officers. The bridge was open before I left and has remained open.
I have been working with traditional leaders across Liberia over many years, helping them to understand the rule of law system and how to resolve community disputes.
If I hadn’t been able to understand their system, I might have aggravated the situation.
We can build on this success to increase our relationship and our work in building peace and understanding in Liberia.
Please sign up below for important news about the work of Â鶹´«Ã½ and special event invitations.
