Laurina B. Lormia
Liberia and Sierra Leone have successfully concluded the first official joint project steering committee strategic meeting for the Gola Forest and Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding REAP project in Bo, Sierra Leone.
These efforts aim to address shared challenges and solidify both countries’ commitment to developing the transboundary peace park.
The project which started on January 29, 2025 is scheduled to run for three years and will conclude on July 26, 2027, and the targeted districts for the project include Liberia’s; Tewor and Porpka districts in Grand Cape Mount County, Kongba district in Gbarpolu county and Sierra Leone’s Makpele chiefdom in Pujehun district and Normor chiefdom in Kenema district.
Giving an overview of the project, Liberia Country Coordinator\OIC Lenaud Serge Desire stated that the Gola Reap project is designed to ensure long term sustainability by building local capacities and institutionalizing best practices within local government structures.
Speaking at the meeting, Internal Affairs Minister, Francis Nyumalin, emphasized that, the project is focused on addressing pressing issues by enhancing community resilience, stating that, the initiative aligns with Liberia’s National Development Plan the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the County Development Agenda (CDA).
Minister Nyumalin mentioned that the government of President Boakai is committed to ensuring that the people of Liberia live in a secure and peaceful environment that fosters sustainable livelihoods, describing the project as pivotal in realizing the vision.
“The Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peacebuilding (REAP) Project comes at a critical moment, focusing on strengthening social cohesion, governance, and promoting climate smart agriculture in the Gola Forest areas,” he said.
He narrated that the ultimate goal is to reduce conflict risks and build economic resilience that benefits both Liberia and its neighboring countries.
The Gola Forest landscape is vital for sustainable peace, security, and resilience. By empowering local communities, forest rangers, and border security personnel. “We can ensure the safety of the forest and its conservation and reduce cross border conflicts, this will promote peace and harmony in the region,” he added.
He also acknowledged the crucial support of the UN Peacebuilding Fund, whose funding has been instrumental in the success of the initiative.
UN Resident Coordinator to Liberia Christine Umutoni, stressed that the Gola, REAP project involves both countries and multiple sectors, to build a peaceful and sustainable future.
She described the project as a model for integrating development and peacebuilding rooted in local ownership and driven by a shared vision of regional integration and environmental stewardship.
On February 27, 2025, the Gola, REAP project was launched, which marked a significant milestone, bringing together key sectors from both countries, government officials, local leaders, community representatives, youth, women’s groups, and other partners. “We left Bo Waterside energized, unified by purpose, and determined to move forward,” she said.
The meeting also validated the terms of reference, adopting a joint work plan, and agreeing on the immediate next step, including baseline assessments, coordination mechanisms, and reporting requirements. “Let’s approach these tasks with urgency, clarity and cooperation,” she urged.
She emphasized that the UN, through its implementing partners IOM and WFP, expressed pride in supporting the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone on this journey. Adding, the role of the UN in Liberia is not to lead, but to support Government’s effort, this is your project.
For her part, UN Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone Seraphine Wakana, highlighted that, the gathering of both countries underscored their commitment to how critical the initiative is, noting that the establishment of the steering committee was an important step in ensuring strategic oversight for the Gola, REAP project.
She further emphasized that the success of the project depends on strong government leadership. “Our goal for this meeting is to reflect on the structural aspects that will guide oversight and implementation this year,” she added.
She also pointed out that the initiative aligns with the new UN Cooperation Framework for Sierra Leone and will play a key role in fostering trans-boundary peace.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Sierra Leone, Morie Lengor assured partners and stakeholders of the government’s commitment to the project under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
Lengor disclosed that, with both countries having a shared history, the government will work closely to ensure improved border and migration management to facilitate safe and orderly mobility while preventing irregular migration, and smuggling.
According to him, to ensure a transparent and more credible implementation, the cross-border project steering committee (PSC) has been established to provide strategic guidance, oversight and facilitate the work of the PSC involving both countries.
Lengor concluded by thanking stakeholders and partners for their continued contribution towards a more inclusive, collaborative and peaceful Africa.
The meeting’s agenda focused on the structural aspects of the project and discussed the next steps for its implementation in targeted locations.
