Author: Naseera Noor-Mahomed | Share
Building a new accountability narrative in Liberia
From helping shape national conversations to using technology to bolster election integrity, AL Liberia’s programs are focused on building accountability in diverse ways. We sat down with AL Liberia’s Country Director, Lawrence Yealue, to better understand their deep civic engagement work.
Voter education wins
In 2023, AL Liberia had a clear mission: to equip Liberians with the knowledge and tools needed for a peaceful electoral process. Projects focused on civic and voter education across six strategic counties. Over 800,000 people were reached via community radio and we engaged a further 363,545 people via social media, amplifying messages of non-violence and democratic participation.
Lawrence emphasized the importance of these initiatives, saying having a few key objectives made the program effective. “Our mission was to ensure that every Liberian understood their role in the electoral process and felt enabled to participate peacefully. By providing accurate information and promoting non-violence, we aimed to create an environment where democratic values could thrive.”
A new national discourse
Beyond elections, AL Liberia is an active participant in the national discourse with a dedicated group of nonprofits and community organizations, challenging societal norms and advocating for policy change. The Farmington River Peace Agreement exemplifies this influence, with 27 political parties committing to peaceful elections. Lawrence noted, “Our role extended beyond monitoring; we facilitated dialogues that promoted peace and accountability.” These efforts, culminating in the Elections and Peace Accountability Summit, included over 26,000 people across the country. “We conducted town hall meetings and facilitated workshops where citizens could directly engage with political leaders, fostering a sense of ownership in the democratic process. This direct interaction is crucial for building trust and accountability between the government and its citizens,” Yealue shared.
Harnessing technology and media
AL Liberia has leveraged online and offline methods to reach diverse audiences through innovative campaigns. “Our strategic use of both digital platforms and community radio ensures widespread access to information essential for informed decision-making.”
A standout initiative involves partnering with local media outlets to broadcast Civic and Voter Education (CVE) programs. “These initiatives were pivotal in disseminating critical information to remote communities often overlooked. Collaborating with trusted local media guarantees our messages resonate throughout Liberia,” Yealue said.
Building partnerships for sustainable change
As one key learning, strategic partnerships have been fundamental to AL Liberia’s success. Lawrence noted, “Collaboration amplifies our impact.” Alliances with local communities, civil society, and international organizations have been key. The AL Liberia 2023 Annual Report details a little more about the network being built that is committed to advancing transparency and accountability. “We engage stakeholders early in project planning to ensure diverse perspectives and sustainable outcomes. This collaborative approach strengthens our programs and builds local capacity for long-term impact,” he shared.Related Content
From Our Library
Subscribe
Join our community
Subscribe for updates on new programs, stories of change, and upcoming events from across our global, translocal network.
