By Myean D. Torgbean
After years of unrest in Camp Alpha, a rural community in Kungba District, Gbarpolu County, 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.
Held over the weekend in Camp Alpha, Gbarpolu County, and neighboring communities in Farmah, Nomo Chiefdom, and Zimi in the Makpele Chiefdom across the Sierra Leone border, the event marked the first initiative of its kind since tensions erupted over land demarcation involving residents, the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL), and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA).
The festival brought together government officials, traditional leaders, community members, and development partners to celebrate shared cultural heritage through music, dance, and traditional performances, while also creating space for dialogue, reconciliation, and community healing.
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, said 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 noted that the initiative seeks to strengthen trust among conservation actors and border institutions through culturally grounded engagement. He added that 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 emphasized the value of cultural exchange, nonviolence, inclusion, and cross-border cooperation as pathways to sustainable peace. She said the shared history between Liberia and Sierra Leone provides a strong foundation for constructive dialogue and lasting reconciliation.
Senator Kanneh also noted that 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.
As part of the program, residents took part in dialogue sessions focused on peace, reconciliation, border coexistence, and the management of shared natural resources. Women, youth, elders, and community leaders shared experiences and reflections, alongside remarks from public officials and institutional representatives.
Panelists included 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; and Bardio Kou, Deputy County Commander for Border Patrol (LIS), Gbarpolu County.
The festival highlights the growing importance of community-driven, cross-border engagement in addressing conflict, building trust, and strengthening peace and resilience in fragile border communities. It also demonstrates how inclusive dialogue and cultural connection can support both social cohesion and sustainable natural resource management in the Gola landscape.
