The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated several items to the National Security Councils (NSC) in River Gee and Maryland Counties through the Office of the National Security Advisor.

The gesture was made in an effort to strengthen and boost the capacities of the two Councils to continuously maintain peace, security and promote social cohesion.

The donation of six (6) motorbikes (3 per county), two (2) computers and printers was done under the Cross-Border cooperation between Cote d’ivoire and Liberia for Sustainable Peace and Social Cohesion (Cross-Border Project) with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office (UNPBSO).

“The gesture is to acknowledge the importance of their (NSC) work, and to boast their capacity to continue maintaining peace and security in the counties…The peace that we are enjoying now through their (NSC) collective work with other partners and stakeholders, is allowing the citizens and residents to pursue their livelihoods in safety, and create the needed wealth for local and national development,” said Eric Opoku, UNDP Community Development Specialist.

Mr. Opoku proxy for UNDP Deputy Country Director for Programme at the handover ceremony held at the Ministry of State in Monrovia.

He said the motorbikes and computers valued at US$14,694. 00 were in addition to support being provided under the Cross-Border Project.

The project is aimed at promoting peace and social cohesion within Maryland and Rivergee Counties which border Côte d'Ivoire.

One of its objectives is to help reduce tension and violent conflicts along and among border communities and help communities understand the use of peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms among others.

The UNDP Community Development Specialist also recalled that under the same project, UNDP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated 30 motorbikes; 76 hand-held communication radios; 24 office chairs; 36 filing cabinets; and 24 solar systems to the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) valued at US$492,945.00 to enhance and strengthen their logistical capacities.

“On this occasion, Honorable Minister, please permit me to express our sincere concern and that of the donors about the management and use of items provided to support government’s institutions. The need for proper inventory and responsible usage and maintenance, as well as access of these assets by beneficiaries in the counties cannot be over-emphasized. It is our fervent hope that the Government and people of Liberia will continue to cooperate and collaborate with UNDP and other UN agencies in meeting the development agenda of the government, in spite of extreme difficulties,” Opoku stressed.

He pledged UNDP continuous commitment to working with the government and people of Liberia and other development partners to achieve its development goals.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Government and the National Security Council, the National Security Advisor to President George Weah thanked UNDP and other partners on behalf of the President for their unwavering support to the government and people of Liberia.

“Today is a very important day in the history of our Office, because this is the first major donation to this Office since assuming responsibility,” Jefferson Kanmoh said.

Mr. Karmoh said the donation will enhance the work of the National Security Council as it seeks to promote and maintain peace and social cohesion in the counties.

“We like to assure you, the UNDP family through you, Mr. Opoku that we will exercise our supervisory authority and responsibility to ensure that these equipment are used for the intended purpose- that all of us can be proud of our collective contributions toward ensuring that our region remains stable and peaceful,” Mr. Kanmoh said.

The ‘Cross-Border Cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia for Sustainable Peace and Social Cohesion’ project in being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Assistant Internal Affairs Minister for Operations, Edward Fineboy also spoke at the program. He lauded UNDP for the tremendous support being provided to the Government and people of Liberia.

Past project covered Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties and was funded by UNMIL Assessed Fund.

These projects have worked toward reducing tension and promoting peaceful co-existence among mirror communities along the Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire border.

They have also helped strengthen collaboration between the communities and security agencies. The results among others have been improved communities’ safety through enhanced trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.