By Moses M. Tokpah/Margibi
The Program Manager at the Center for Justice and Peace Studies (CJPS), Francis S. Konyon, has alarmed over the existence of social and political vices that once plunged Liberia into a devastating 14-year civil war.
Speaking at the Kakata Intellectual Forum on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Konyon highlighted political interest, tribalism, and favoritism over merit as dangerous practices threatening the nation’s fragile peace.
Konyon emphasized that many political institutions in Liberia are still organized along tribal lines, which fosters exclusion and division.
According to him, sometimes a county or a city claims political capital and can decide who becomes a leader.
He indicated that this tribal-based approach to leadership selection often results in appointments that prioritize loyalty and connections rather than qualifications and competence.
Konyon warned that such practices breed resentment and create “key triggers of violence,” especially in a country with a bitter history of conflict.
He lamented that when opportunities are distributed based on ethnicity or personal relationships rather than merit, it deepens societal fractures and sows discord.
Using a relatable example, Konyon described how favoritism can manifest in everyday settings: “Maybe because Andrew and I went to the same school and we are in this institution, he will give me more opportunity.
That now will lead to division, and once there are divisions, people start to form cliques.” These cliques, he cautioned, can escalate tensions and undermine unity.
He also highlighted the misuse of power to suppress others as a critical factor that can ignite conflict.
He furthered that when institutions trample on people’s rights, the resulting grievances, if left unaddressed, have the potential to explode into violence.
Konyon underscored the importance of reconciliation as a tool to heal Liberia’s fractured society.
He defined reconciliation as a process that unites people, restores relationships, and demands openness, honesty, and accountability.
“People who committed wrongdoings must face the penalty for their actions,” he said, emphasizing that justice is a cornerstone of lasting peace.
For true reconciliation, Konyon said, Liberians must engage in truth telling, face justice, and practice compassion and forgiveness.
“We reconcile because I made a mistake or intentionally violated our rules, served my punishment, and was then accommodated with the hope that we can all live together,” he explained.
This process, he stressed, transforms former offenders into supportive members of society.
Konyon concluded with a cautionary note: tolerating misconduct that damages institutions will hinder national progress.
“If we continue to compromise people’s misbehavior that brings disgrace or challenges to an institution, then it will be difficult for institutions to progress,” he warned.
