Political Party Youth Wings Sign Peace Pact in Liberia

NIMD facilitated a one-day inter-party youth dialogue which involved seventeen youth representatives from youth wings of six registered political parties in Liberia. As a result, the youth representatives signed a peace pact. They have committed to preach peaceful messages before, during, and after the senatorial by-election in Nimba County on 22 April 2O25. The session was held due to concerns about electoral violence.

Safe Space

The dialogue created a safe and supportive space for the youth from diverse political affiliations to look beyond their individual political parties and identify core issues relevant to them. They discussed themes relevant to electoral contestation, such as mitigation of potential elections violence and promoting non-violent and issues-based campaigning. The dialogue session also allowed them to build trust among each other.

A request for more dialogue

During the session, participants stressed the need for more dialogue not only among the youth but also between political party leadership across the country.

“Political dialogue when grounded in mutual respect and shared national interests, can reduce tension and promote peaceful co-existence” a participant said.

NIMDs work in Liberia

Despite the active participation of women and youth at the local government level, there is a considerable gender gap in the legislature for both women and youth. Which is why NIMD works to strengthen the quality of democratic governance by promoting a more inclusive, participatory and accountable democracy in Liberia. To achieve this goal, NIMD organizes activities with political parties, civil society and Parliament.

The European Union, Irish Aid and the Embassy of Sweden are supporting NIMD as part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project, which aims to promote a more inclusive and accountable democracy in Liberia. The project is managed by UNDP, and implemented in partnership with both UN Women and NIMD.