Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (Lavi)

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LIBERIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND VOICE INITIATIVE (LAVI)

Regional Consultative Dialogue on LAVI 2nd Thematic Project Window

March 27, 2017

This report is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID.) The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of DAI and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government

Regional Consultative Dialogue on LAVI 2nd Thematic Project Window

Consultative Regional Dialogue Final Narrative Report

National Civil Society Council of Liberia

MARCH 27, 2017

Outline:

1. Summary 2

2. Background & Introduction 4 3. Consultative Dialogues 5 (Content, Process, Thematic Recommendations, Quotations from Participants)

i. Harper 5 ii. Zwedru 9 iii. Gbarnga 11 iv. Buchanan 15 v. Tubmanburg 19 4. Recommendation 25

5. Conclusion 26

1 Summary:

The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) with support from USAID through LAVI Project for four weeks embarked on five (5) regional consultative dialogues on LAVI 2nd Project Window.

The dialogues were intended to provoke frank and open discussion and derived findings that are now submitted to LAVI for actions considering the project window. The dialogues were structured into five sessions for one day including opening ceremony, brief motivational comments, group discussion, plenary discussion and presentation of findings and recommendations.

It brought together women, youth, elderly, persons with disability, traditional leaders, trade unions, private and business sectors, professional groups, religious groups, community based organizations, local non-governmental organizations and local government authorities to gather views on what they feel is necessary for national intervention signaling priorities.

The five regional dialogues were held in Harper, Maryland County on March 8, Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, March 10, Gbarnga, Bong County, March 15, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, March 17 and Tubmanburg, Bomi County, March 20, 2017 respectively. The southeastern regional dialogues were held in Harper, with participants from Grand Kru, RiverGee and Maryland Counties whilst the Zwedru dialogue brought together participants from Sinoe and Grand Gedeh counties. The central and southwestern regional dialogues were held in Gbarnga with participants from Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties; in Buchanan with participants from Grand Bassa, Margibi, Montserrado and Rivercess counties; whilst Tubmanburg dialogue brought together Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties respectively.

Team 1 was assigned to the southeastern region that composed of Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Maryland, RiverGee and Sinoe counties, while Team 2 was assigned to Central, Southwest and Western region of Liberia that composed of Bong, Bomi, Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Gbarpolu, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, Nimba and Rivercess counties. The five regional consultative dialogues brought together a total of 176 participants inclusive of guests from LAVI and Messenger for Peace as well as staff of NCSCL. A total representation of participants at the dialogues were numerically represented as follow: 37 persons in total from Harper dialogue with 25 male constituting 67.5% and 12 female constituting 32.5%; 28 persons in total from Zwedru dialogue with 19 male constituting 67.8% and 9 female constituting 32.2%; 37 persons in total from Gbarnga dialogue with 24 male constituting 64.8% and 13 female constituting 35.2%; and 35 persons in total from Buchanan dialogue with 21 male constituting 60% and 14 female constituting 40% and 39 persons in total from Tubmanburg dialogue with 26 male constituting 66.6% and 13 female constituting 33.4%. (Please see appendix 1 for detail)

Of the five consultations, there were a total of 115 men constituting 65.4% and 61 women constituting 34.6%. Representations from the youth were 9 private sector 27, traditional leaders 6,

2 CSOs 82, media 21, local authority 18 and guests from LAVI and Messenger for Peace 13. (See attached appendix 1).

Participants arrived on schedule and agenda of each dialogue was followed accordingly with the exception of Tubmanburg that introduced slight changes in the outline of presentations that interplayed between group discussions. A formal opening ceremony was observed in each of the regional consultations. These ceremonies outlined welcome statements made by government, overview/purpose of the dialogue by the national civil society council of Liberia represented by Rev. Christopher Wleh Toe, I. in the southeastern region dialogue and Madam Frances R. Deigh Greaves in the central and southwestern region dialogues. Remarks were made by Hon. Nathaniel Toe, Development Superintendent of Maryland County, City Mayor of Zwedru, Mr. Arthur Kollie, and Executive Secretary to the Superintendent of Bong County, Hon. J. Levi Demmah, Superintendent of Grand Bassa County and Hon. Samuel Foday Brown, Superintendent of Bomi County. Remarks from LAVI were made by Mr. Ilan E. Ricks in Harper and Zwedru dialogue, Mr. Prince Williams in Gbarnga, Mr. Ilan E. Ricks in Buchanan and Lauren Reese and Michelle Rogers from DAI in Tubmanburg.

Motivational messages were given by Rev. Christopher Wleh Toe, I and Nathaniel Toe in Harper, Madam Frances Greaves, Emma Y. Boldoe, Elizabeth Doeblah, Raphaelyn N. Bonosy in Gbarnga, Buchanan and Tubmanburg respectively. The messages captured issues on security, education, gender based violence, reconciliation, youth political participation, budget and transparency and private sector engagement.

The consultative dialogue process followed the pattern of group discussion and validation session that incorporated voting. The facilitators presented the four GeoPoll survey questions as lead way to provoke the discussion. Each group in session identified three priorities in sequence based on each question for 20 minutes. Results were tabulated on the flipchart paper and presented as group reports in plenary following lunch break. The validation session reviewed the various groups’ reports and signaled out commonalities running through. The facilitators in the five regional dialogues encouraged interventions from participants to raise justification on the necessity of priority issues identified to make determination on the selection in sequence. The validation process was introduced by the facilitator and captured participants reasoning on each of the issues identified and the selection of priorities. Discussions were held and a voting process was established on each of the selected priorities and the sequencing. (See appendix detailing result of the validation and matrix that summarizes results from the regional consultative dialogue.)

The regional dialogues recommendations of priorities included the following:

Harper: Education, security & budget and transparency; Zwedru: Security, education & national reconciliation;

3 Gbarnga: Security, Education and Budget & Transparency; Buchanan: Education, Security and national Reconciliation; Tubmanburg: Security, Education and Budget & Transparency.

Of the five regional consultative dialogues security was voted number 1 in three regions, Education voted number 1 in two regions; whilst budget and transparency were featured as number 3 in the three regions and national reconciliation in two regions. Therefore, with the summative analysis from the consultative dialogues, Security, Education and Budget & Transparency were selected priorities respectively in sequence.

Background and Introduction:

The pressed for continuous opening of the civil space for constructive engagement has been the civil society advocacy role. People participation in political processes is one of the many challenges faced, coupled with the abrogating of voices. This has over the years affected the state citizens’ relations and therefore caused many of the multi stakeholders’ passiveness to national development. It is from this backdrop that the necessity for engagement and dialogue on issues of national importance were lifted. Queuing from the many interactions the partnership between the government of Liberia and the National Civil Society Council of Liberia becomes a lead way to promote collaboration and encourages citizens’ participation and ownership.

Aware of the challenges and the need for mitigation, the Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative Project (LAVI) engaged the NCSCL to conduct one-day regional consultative dialogue in five regional capitols (Harper, Zwedru, Gbarnga, Buchanan, and Tubmanburg) to provoke frank and open discussions and derived findings for submission and actions.

Therefore, the NCSCL using its regional and counties structures embarked on this initiative and engaged multi stakeholders from the government, private sector, civil society and the media from the southeastern region belt of Liberia, the central, southwest and western regions of Liberia with an accumulative number of 176 persons in attendance. This dialogue promoted the space for voice participation and freedom of expression and decision indicated in the making of democratic decisions through voting processes. Participants voted in each of the region on selected priorities and sequenced the priorities show casing their decisions. These votes counted represented the voices of the participants representing the four governance sectors that include: government, private sector, civil society and the media.

The NCSCL is an apex body of civil society organization with programmatic focus on coordination, policy advocacy, capacity building and monitoring and evaluation. It has five regional offices and 15 county offices headed by elected coordinators and other officials, a national secretariat and a membership of 1475.

4 Consultative Dialogue 1: Harper, Maryland County: (Grand Kru, Maryland and RiverGee)

A. Content

The Harper consultative dialogue was held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 commencing at 8:50 a.m. with registration followed by breakfast. The brief opening ceremony begun with prayer, followed by an overview of the dialogue and was spiced with official remarks. The overview of the dialogue was given by Rev. Christopher Wleh Toe, I, Secretary General of the NCSCL. The overview emphasized the objectives of the project and the called for voice participation in the selection of three priorities discussing the four summative questions from the Geopoll survey using the seven proposed thematic issues as reference for discussion and subsequent recommendation to LAVI for 2nd thematic project window.

Special remarks were made by the Development Superintendent Mr. Nathaniel Toe, Mrs. Lucy Davis Momoh CSOs County Coordinator and Mr. Ilan E. Ricks, LAVI representative. Mr. Toe remarks reflected gaps identified in civil society and the need for strong CSOs engagement with government recognizing the watch dog role of civil society. The remarks also highlighted issues on the educational sector mentioning the series of construction of teachers’ quarter; the need for youth respect for democratic governance, the cordial working relations with gender based violence, stressing the working relationship with the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to address issues of gender based violence and advocacy action for the prosecution of perpetrator; and the relevance and importance of the private sector that builds a strong economy. The Ilan Ricks of LAVI remarks captured the four broad objectives of LAVI, in terms of accomplishment up to date, thematic funding window, and the selection of LAVI thematic funding window.

Motivational messages on the seven proposed themes were delivered by Rev. Christopher W. Toe, I. Due to the fault of the projector, the messages were given extemporaneous. The messages captured the importance of the thematic issues, challenges, and necessity for national growth and development. The speaker encouraged participants to reflect on the proposed seven themes as well as think outside the box and make additional interventions where necessary.

The Group discussion proceeded with the division of groups into four with government, private sector, civil society and media in each of the groups. The groups discussed for 20 minutes on each of the four question of the Geopoll survey. The plenary discussion show case debate on identified thematic issues featuring group 2 leader argument on national reconciliation quoting the president of Liberia acknowledgement of government inability to address national reconciliation.

He stated further that “an un-reconciled people action is dangerous for development sustainability; that no matter what development effort is made, the reflection of a hurt or wound not attended to may detonate chaos which may lead to violence and destruction of properties.” Group 1 leader presentation justified security as paramount stating that “without security no

5 development is sustainable.” The comment makes reference to the presence of UNMIL providing security for the tenure of this government that is why there was no chaotic violence. With the drawdown of UNMIL security and subsequent taking over by the national security, there is an importunate need to give security a priority. Group 3 leader presentation highlighted education as key noting that “an uneducated society is a blind society that will never appreciate development gains and can be swayed away easily”. Notation to the fact he said was mentioned by the President of Liberia in one of her messages that the educational system is a mess. Group 4 leader presentations stressed the Importance of Budget & Transparency as the key to successful governance and development. An open budget and participatory and implementation processes sets the agenda for nation development. “It is the budget that captures all the issues and so if the budget and transparency process is flawed eventually the result will be a mess and the prospect for violence and destruction is eminent.” Following the groups’ presentations and comments for justification the results were published on the projector slide for selection of priorities for the validation session.

Group presentations focusing on thematic priority issues

The Groups were divided into four taking in consideration sectors representation. Each group discussed the four questions for 1 hour and 20 minutes and wrote the findings on the flipchart papers based on each question. Each group was allotted 20 minutes to make their presentation on the four questions distributed. The group leader and secretary presented the group report, one reading and another person elaborating on the results. Below is a summary of the presentation made identifying the priority issues based on each question.

GROUP QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4 PRIORITY PRIORITY ISSUE PRIORITY ISSUE PRIORITY ISSUE ISSUE I National Reconciliation Education Road Network Security Security Security Electricity Private Sector Budget & Transparency National Reconciliation Price Control Education II National Reconciliation National Reconciliation Physical National Budget & Transparency Budget & Transparency Challenge Reconciliation Education Education Budget & Transp. Education III Education Education Agriculture Education Gender Based Violence Security Road Network Security Budget & Transparency Budget & Transparency Health Budget & Transparency IV Education Security Health Education Budget & Transparency Gender Based Violence Road Network Budget & National Reconciliation Budget & Transparency Agriculture Transparency Gender Based Violence

6 Validation Session:

The validation session adopted a two prone critical analysis approach looking at the commonalities from the group reports and making determination in terms of prioritizing three of the thematic issues of importance and relevance based on each question. Secondly, the participants reviewing the priorities selected, voted on three final priorities in sequence representing the region voice.

THEMATIC ISSUES QUESTIONS PRIORITIES SELECTED Education What other issues has the Liberian Education Security government NOT been effective at Budget & Transparency Gender Based Violence addressing in 2016? National reconciliation Youth Political Participation National Reconciliation What three issues do you think the Education Private Sector Engagement Liberian government needs to focus Security Budget & Transparency on in 2017? Select three issues in Budget & Transparency order of importance?

What other issues do you think the Road Network Liberian government needs to focus Health on in 2017? Agriculture What issues would you be willing to Education engage with the Liberian government Budget & Transparency in addressing? Select 3 issues in Security order of importance.

During the validation session the participants casted votes on the selection of the three priority areas in sequence. The voting result was:

Education as priority number 1……………………… 31 votes Security as priority number 2 ……………………….. 30 votes Budget & Transparency as priority number 3…. 28 votes b. The Process

The dialogue begun with registration at 8:15 a.m. and was followed by breakfast. The official program commenced at 9:30 a.m. with opening prayer offered by one of the participants. The brief overview was given by Rev. Christopher W. Toe, I. Secretary General of the NCSCL.

The overview bequeathed a summative narrative of the consultative dialogue, queuing from the Geopoll survey and sought participants view on the seven proposed thematic issues and finally determined selection of three priorities in sequence. Remarks were made by the Development Superintendent, Local CSOs Leader, and LAVI representative. The roll call was made by Laura K. Blyden, the project director to authenticate participants’ attendance at the dialogue. The facilitator and co-facilitator then explained the process of the division of the groups and what is

7 expected. The groups were divided into four having representative of government, private sector, civil society and the media mixed within the group. The four questions from the Geopoll survey were given to each group intermittently. Each group discussed a question for 20 minutes and wrote the result on the flipchart paper. Lunch was served after the 4 questions were discussed thoroughly. The plenary session used a C circle for participants sitting for group presentation. Each group as a means of style used a male and female for the presentation. After the groups’ presentations on the four questions, the facilitator displayed the groups’ findings on the projector and allowed the discussion of participants to authenticate their presentations. The participants then selected three priorities and then voted in ranking in terms of priority 1, 2, &3. Following the selection of all the priorities, a motion was made and seconded that the selected priorities be forwarded as recommendations of the regional consultative dialogue of LAVI 2nd Thematic Project Window. The participants then voted in affirmation and showed sign of unity by the holding of hands. c. Thematic Recommendations

The participants after reviewing the many priorities, resolved with the following as recommendation in terms of priority:

1. Education as priority number 1 2. Security as priority number 2 3. Budget & Transparency as priority number 3

d. Quotations from Participants from Private Sector, Civil Society and Government

“Education is a key to any nation progress” “Education discourages bribery” Alfred Boe (Private sector) Comfort Doe (civil society)

“Budget captures all the issues and so if the budget and transparency process is flawed eventually the result will be a mess and the prospect for violence and destruction is eminent”. Joe Mullenburg (Civil Society)

“An uneducated society is a blind society that will never appreciate development gains and can be swayed away easily”. Nathaniel Toe (Government)

“an un-reconciled people action is dangerous for development sustainability; that no matter what development effort is made, the reflection of a hurt or wound not attended to may detonate chaos 8 which may lead to violence and destruction of properties.” Joe Mullenburg (Civil Society)

The dialogue adjourned with participants forming a circle and held hands together affirming their action by singing the song “the more we are together the happier we will be, for your friend is my friend and my friend is your friend”.

Consultative Dialogue 2: Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County: (Grand Gedeh and Sinoe Counties) a. Content

At the Zwedru consultative dialogue, the City Mayor gave the welcome statement and offered remarks on behalf of the local government. Remark was made by LAVI staff and the local CSOs representative.

Group presentations focusing on Thematic priority issues

The Groups were divided into four taking in consideration sectors representation. Each group discussed the four questions for 1 hour and 20 minutes and wrote the findings on the flipchart papers based on each question. Each group was allotted 20 minutes to make their presentation on the four questions distributed. The group leader and secretary presented the group report, one reading and another person elaborating on the results. Below, is a summary of the presentation made identifying the priority issues based on each question.

Below are what were discuss during the group discussion:

GROUP QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4 PRIORITY ISSUE PRIORITY ISSUE PRIORITY ISSUE PRIORITY ISSUE

I Education Education Road Network Education Security Budget & Budget & Transparency Gender Based Gender Based Transparency National National Reconciliation Violence Violence Reconciliation Private Sector II Education Education Agriculture Security National Reconciliation National Reconciliation National Private Sector Private Sector Reconciliation Education III Education Education Road construction Security Security Security & Rehabilitation National Private Sector Private Sector Water Facilities Reconciliation Electricity Private Sector Price Control IV Education Education Road construction Road network Security Security Electricity Security National Reconciliation National Reconciliation Poor Justice National System Reconciliation

9 Validation Session: The validation session adopted a two prone critical analysis approach looking at the commonalities from the group reports and making determination in terms of prioritizing three of the thematic issues of importance and relevance based on each question. Secondly, the participants reviewing the priorities selected, voted on three final priorities in sequence representing the region voice.

THEMATIC ISSUES QUESTIONS PRIORITIES SELECTED Education What other issues has the Education Security Liberian government NOT Security Gender Based Violence been effective at addressing National reconciliation Youth Political Participation in 2016? National Reconciliation What three issues do you Private Sector Private Sector Engagement think the Liberian government Security Budget & Transparency needs to focus on in 2017? Education Select three issues in order of importance? What other issues do you Road Network think the Liberian government Justice and Rule of Law needs to focus on in 2017? Agriculture What issues would you be National Reconciliation willing to engage with the Education Liberian government in Security addressing? Select 3 issues in order of importance.

During the validation session the participants casted votes on the selection of the three priority areas in sequence. The voting result was:

Security as priority number 1…………………………… 24 votes Education as priority number 2 ……………………….. 21 votes National Reconciliation as priority number 3….. 19 votes b. The Process The dialogue begun with registration at 8:45 a.m. and was followed by breakfast. The official program commenced at 10:00 a.m. and opening prayer was offered by one of the participants. The brief overview was given by Laura K. Blyden, project director. The overview gave a summative narrative of the consultative dialogue, queuing from the Geopoll survey and gathered participants view on the seven proposed thematic issues and finally to make determination on selection of three priorities in sequence. Remarks were made by the City Mayor, Local CSOs Leader, and LAVI representative. The roll call was made by the project director to authenticate participants’ attendance at the dialogue. The facilitator then explained the process of the division of the groups and what is expected of the participants. The groups were divided into four having representative of government, private sector, civil society and the media mixed within the group. The four

10 questions from the Geopoll survey were given to each group intermittently. Each group discussed a question for 20 minutes and wrote the result on the flipchart paper. Lunch was served after the 4 questions were discussed thoroughly. Following lunch, the participants formed a close C circle for group presentation. Each group as a means of style used a male and female for the presentation. After the groups’ presentations on the four questions, the facilitator displayed the groups’ findings on the projector and allowed the discussion of participants to authenticate their presentations. The participants then selected three priorities and then voted in ranking in terms of priority 1, 2&3. Following the selection of all the priorities, a motion was made and seconded that the selected priorities be forwarded as recommendations of the regional consultative dialogue of LAVI 2nd Thematic Project Window. The participants then voted in affirmation and showed sign of unity by the holding of hands. c. Thematic Recommendations The Zwedru, Grand Gedeh consultative dialogue reviewing of the many priorities finally selected the below as recommendations as priorities:

1. Security as priority number 1, 2. Education number 2 3. National reconciliation as number 3.

For them the ethnic divide and the war scenario have had a serious negative impact on the citizens of Grand Gedeh and created lot insecurity. Therefore in the voting process many votes were cast in this direction.

a. Quotations from Participants from Civil Society Organizations

“If you give me what you can and I give “An un-reconciled people are you what you want is key for progress” dangerous to sustain Felecia Duncan (civil society) development goals” Lewis Jadoe (civil society)

Consultative Dialogue 3: Gbarnga, Bong County: (Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties) a. Content The Gbarnga dialogue opening ceremony begun at 10:17 a.m. at the Women in Peace Network Conference hall on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Welcome statement was made by Stephen J. Mulbah, County Coordinator, of Bong County. The overview of the consultation was given by Madam Frances R. Deigh Greaves, National Chairperson of the NCSCL. The overview reflected the

11 purpose of the dialogue and the necessity to vote on three priority issues sequentially to be recommended to LAVI for 2nd thematic funding window. The representative of the Superintendent Office in Bong thanked the organizer for the forum and pledged government commitment.

Motivational messages were given by Elizabeth of Messenger of Peace, Madam Greaves and Emma Y. Boldoe of the NCSCL. The message on youth political participation from Messenger for peace admonished youth to be selfless, not engaged in activities that have the propensity to shrink their future negatively, neither allow themselves to be used by politician for their selfish motives. The message further inspired youth to stay away from violence; but uphold their values making the best choices to promote peace first and last. The message on reconciliation emphasized peace as the presence of love, care, respect for dignity and satisfaction. It also reflected on people seeing themselves as drivers of peace and reconciliation in the midst of the harsh economy crisis causing extreme hardship, abject poverty, and high cost of living. The youth were encouraged to be courageous, mind developers, adopt a spirit of self-courage esteem and forward with a spirit of positive thoughts realizing the next generational leadership role expected.

Madam Greaves messages on security reflected on human security linking to police and community relations.

The message also highlighted the necessity to sensitize people on the new police act, citizens’ ownership of security, willing to provide crime information to the police and making sure that the early warning signals are provided to the police to aid the curbing of violence. The message on private sector engagement captured the importance of the sector as the reliance of a strong economy that also prohibits war and rebuilding the lives of people. People are not making effort to understand more about the sector and as a result the importance has not drawn attention. The message on gender based violence captured the sexes as being equal and the necessity to build strong relations and advocacy for support. The message further encouraged parents to send girls children to school and provide them will all the necessary tools to ensure the competition for growth and development. It further emphasized on the violent abuse of women by men and call on women to respect men despite of their job title, affluence and education; not forgetting civil society role in this campaign as change makers.

Emma Boldoe message on budget and transparency captured budget cost, targets, and stated that the essence of budget planning is to avoid excess usage of money that is intended for a particular purpose. The presentation further elaborated on the challenges in budgeting as corruption and signaled the issue of transparency as a niche for building confidence in the governance process.

Group presentations focusing on thematic priority issues The Groups were divided into three taking in consideration county representation. Each group discussed the four questions for 1 hour and 20 minutes and wrote the findings on the flipchart papers based on each question.

12 Each group was allotted 20 minutes to give their presentation on the four questions distributed. The group leader and secretary presented the group report, one reading and another person elaborating on the results. Below is a summary of the presentation made identifying the priority issues based on each question.

Priority Issues from Group Discussion

GROUP QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 PRIORITY QUESTION 4 PRIORITY ISSUES PRIORITY ISSUES ISSUES PRIORITY ISSUES I Security Education Civic & voter Security Education Security education Education National Budget & Youth engagement & National reconciliation Transparency empowerment reconciliation Women engagement & empowerment

II Budget & Security Justice Security Transparency Education TRC Recommendation Education Security Budget & Constitution National Private Sector Transparency referendum reconciliation Engagement III Education Education Monitoring of projects Security Health Security Health Education Agriculture Budget & Agriculture Budget & Transparency Transparency

The Validation Session:

THEMATIC ISSUES QUESTIONS PRIORITIES SELECTED Education What other issues has the Security Security Liberian government NOT Education Gender Based Violence been effective at addressing National reconciliation Youth Political Participation in 2016? National Reconciliation What three issues do you Security Private Sector Engagement think the Liberian government Education Budget & Transparency needs to focus on in 2017? National reconciliation Select three issues in order of importance?

What other issues do you Youth engagement think the Liberian government Health needs to focus on in 2017? Agriculture

What issues would you be Security willing to engage with the Education Liberian government in Budget & Transparency addressing? Select 3 issues in order of importance.

B. The Process: The dialogue begun with registration at 8:50 a.m. and was followed by breakfast. The official program commenced at 10:00 a.m. with opening prayer offered by one of the participants. The brief overview was given by Madam Frances Greaves, National Chairperson of the NCSCL. The brief overview gives a summary narrative of the consultative dialogue, queuing from the Geopoll survey and seeking to gather participants view on the seven proposed thematic issues and finally to make determination on selection of three priorities in sequence. Remarks were made by the Executive Secretary of the Superintendent Office, Local CSOs Leader, and LAVI representative. The roll call was made by Emma Boldoe to authenticate participants’ attendance at the dialogue. The facilitator then explained the process of the division of the groups and what is expected of the participants. The groups were divided into three signaling county representation, having representative of government, private sector, civil society and the media mixed within the group. The four questions from the Geopoll survey were distributed to each group for discussion. Each group discussed a question for 20 minutes and wrote the result on the flipchart paper. Lunch was served after the 4 questions were discussed thoroughly. Each group as a means of style used a male and female for the presentation. After the four group presentations on the four questions, the facilitator displayed the groups’ findings for determination of priorities and voting to validate the regional dialogue decision. The participants then selected three priorities and then voted in ranking in terms of priority 1, 2&3. Following the selection of all the priorities, a motion was made and seconded that the selected priorities be forwarded as recommendations of the regional consultative dialogue of LAVI 2nd Thematic Project Window.

During the validation session the participants casted votes on the selection of the three priority areas in sequence. The voting result was:

Security as priority number 1………………………….. 29 votes Education as priority number 2 ……………………….. 28 votes Budget & Transparency as priority number 3….. 25 votes c. Thematic Recommendations

The Gbarnga, Bong County consultative dialogue reviewing the validated priorities, resolved with the final selection of regional priorities following the counting of results as follows:

14 1. Security as priority number 1; 2. Education number 2; and 3. Budget and transparency as number 3.

d. Quotations of Participants from Civil Society

“People resilience to economic “Budget is a tool that sets an conditions should not be agenda for nation development underestimated or overlooked” and sustainability” Gabriel Sow (civil society) Deddeh Kollie (civil society)

Consultative Dialogue 4: Buchanan, Grand Bassa County: (Grand Bassa, Margibi, Montserrado and Rivercess Counties) a. Content

The Buchanan dialogue begun at 10:00 a.m. on March 17, 2017 at the Buchanan City Hall. Welcome statement was made by Mr. Carles S. Cole the Administrative Assistant of the Superintendent of Grand Bassa County representing the County superintendent, appraised CSOs for their role played in the society and voter registration process but admonished CSOs to conduct research of issues and make proper planning before engaging in talking actions. Later the superintendent, Hon. J. Levi Demmah appeared and praised Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia as the first sitting president to sign the Table Mountain Declaration which gives freedom to all Liberian to participate and take into account responsibilities that are attached to this freedom. The remarks called on CSOs to carry on advocacy along with research so as to give legitimacy to CSOs voice, signaling many CSOs and Human right advocators reneging on responsibilities and actions. The remark further reflected government workings with the NCSCL to create a better reform platform for policy development and emphasized citizens and state relations and the working of all branches of government as a unit. He then made the following recommendations which included:

CSOs constant engagement with government reminding government of responsibilities Citizens should champion the gradual improvement of the middle class CSOs should align advocacy with facts so as to make greater impact.

Mrs. Greaves of the NCSCL stated the purpose of the consultation was to identify priority problem that the USAID/ Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative Project will use in its 2nd year of implementation making reference to the 2nd thematic project window and the project supported by the USAID. Mr. Victor G. Flomo, Secretary of the Grand Bassa Civil Society council message

15 reflected on hope expression and empowerment of community based organization at local county level so as to increase impact at local levels. The regional coordinator, Madam Martha C. Treh, remarks encouraged CSOs to show case and make relevance of importance in the implementation of the 2nd phase of the LAVI project. The LAVI representative, Ilan E. Ricks remarks highlighted the historicity and life span of the LAVI grant as well as the overarching goal to strengthen Multi- Stakeholder partnership to advocate for and monitor policy and accountability reforms and its aims to develop and implement a portfolio of initiatives with the potential for cumulative impact, clustered around issues which have the greatest potential for change, and which are responsive to locally-defined priorities. The remarks further informed participants of LAVI working with local community based organizations including 8 civil society organizations and 5 government institutions.

The next session of the dialogue started with the motivational messages on the topics: Education, Security, Gender-Based Violence, Private Sector Engagement, Youth Political Participation, Budget and Transparency, and National Reconciliation. The motivational messages were presented by Elizabeth & Raphaelyn of Messenger of Peace, Madam Frances Greaves and Emma Y. Boldoe of the NCSCL. The presentation made in Gbarnga carried the same content for the Buchanan dialogue.

The groups were divided by the facilitator into four using county context. The four Geopoll survey questions were given to each group for discussion for 1 hour & 20 minutes. Results from the group discussion were written on flipchart paper identifying three priorities in sequence. Each group selected a leader and secretary and presentation of group work was made in plenary. Each group presented for 15 minutes making case of the selection of priorities.

Group presentations focusing on Thematic priority issues

The Groups were divided into three taking in consideration county representation. Each group discussed the four questions for 1 hour and 20 minutes and wrote the findings on the flipchart papers based on each question.

Each group was allotted 20 minutes to make their presentation on the four questions distributed. The group leader and secretary presented the group report, one reading and another person elaborating on the results. During the group presentation, the facilitator captured the following issues of priorities and selected priorities based on the questions and validated the action through a voting process to determine the final selection of three priorities in sequence for the regional dialogue. Below is a summary of the presentation made identifying the priority issues based on each question.

16 Priority Issues from Group Discussion

GROUP QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 PRIORITY QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4 PRIORITY ISSUES ISSUES PRIORITY ISSUES PRIORITY ISSUES I Education Security Elections Security Security Education Civic education Budget & National National Road network transparency Reconciliation Reconciliation Education II National Security Gender Based Security reconciliation Budget & violence Education Security transparency Budget & Youth political Budget & Education transparency participation transparency Elections III Security Security Elections Education National Education Youth political Security reconciliation Budget & participation National education transparency Health reconciliation

The Validation Session:

THEMATIC ISSUES QUESTIONS PRIORITIES SELECTED Education What other issues has the Liberian Security Security government NOT been effective at Budget & transparency Gender Based Violence addressing in 2016? Education Youth Political Participation National Reconciliation What three issues do you think Security Private Sector Engagement the Liberian government needs to Education Budget & Transparency focus on in 2017? Select three Budget & transparency issues in order of importance? What other issues do you think Elections the Liberian government needs to Youth political participation focus on in 2017? Civic education

What issues would you be willing Security to engage with the Liberian Budget & transparency government in addressing? Select Education 3 issues in order of importance.

17 a. The Process: The dialogue begins with registration at 9:00 a.m. followed by breakfast. The official program commenced at 10:00 a.m. with opening prayer offered by one of the participants. The brief overview was given by Madam Frances Greaves, National Chairperson of the NCSCL reflecting a summative narrative of the consultative dialogue, queuing from the Geopoll survey and seeking to gather participants view on the seven proposed thematic issues and finally to make determination on selection of three priorities in sequence. Remarks were made by the Superintendent of Grand Bassa County, Hon. J. Levi Demmah, Local CSOs Leader, and LAVI representative. The roll call was made by Emma Boldoe to authenticate participants’ attendance at the dialogue. The facilitator then explained the process of the division of the groups and what is expected of the participants. The groups were divided into three signaling county representation, having representative of government, private sector, civil society and the media mixed within the group. The four questions from the Geopoll survey were distributed to each group for discussion. Each group discussed a question for 20 minutes and wrote the result on the flipchart paper. Lunch was served after the 4 questions were discussed thoroughly. Each group as a means of style used a male and female for the presentation. After the groups’ presentations on the four questions, the facilitator displayed the groups’ findings for determination of priorities and voting to validate the regional dialogue decision. The participants then selected three priorities and then voted in ranking in terms of priority 1, 2&3. Following the selection of all the priorities, a motion was made and seconded that the selected priorities be forwarded as recommendations of the regional consultative dialogue of LAVI 2nd Thematic Project Window. The participants then voted in affirmation and showed sign of unity by the holding of hands.

During the validation session the participants casted votes on the selection of the three priority areas in sequence. The voting result was:

Education as priority number 1……………………… 30 votes Security as priority number 2 ……………………….. 29 votes National Reconciliation as priority number 3…. 27 votes

b. Thematic Recommendations The Buchanan, Grand Bassa County consultative dialogue reviewing of the many priorities finally selected the following as recommendation for the regional dialogue: 1. Education as priority number 1, 2. Security as number 2 3. National reconciliation as number 3.

c. Quotations from Participants from Civil Society and Guest Speaker

Transparency is a hallmark The growth for any nation lies in the for democratic governance value of a responsible and educated George Trokon (civil society) youth, committed and dedicated to service. 18 Elizabeth Doeblah (Guest Speaker)

Consultative Dialogue 5: Tubmanburg, Bomi County: (Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties) a. Content

The Tubmanburg dialogue was held on March 20, 2017 at the Women Center beginning at 9:00 a.m. with registration and breakfast. The opening ceremony began with welcome remark by the County Superintendent. The superintendent of Bomi County Hon. Samuel F. Brown praised the Bomi CSOs Council and the national CSOs secretariat for the level of improved relationship currently existing between the county local leadership and the civil society in the county.

Hon. Brown referenced the Ebola crisis as one of the emergency situations that helped to unify and strengthen an already existing relationship between the two parties. He mentioned further that the CSOs Council is involved with engaging local county leaders on matters of accountability and transparency, especially so with activities surrounding the county and social development funds. The superintendent also thanked the county CSOs council for the professional manner in which it has conducted activities involving the communities since its election, noting that the then leadership is far better than the past CSOs leadership in the county. He expressed optimism to seeing a much enhanced working relationship and support to the Bomi CSOs Council. The Bomi County Superintendent noted however that CSOs institutions engaged into agricultural activities must be greatly empowered, as agriculture served as the building blocks for any emerging and developing society. The remark by Mrs. Frances Greaves, national chairperson of the NCSCL informed participants of the partnership policy and accord signed between the government of Liberia and the NCSCL. She noted that the agreement calls on CSOs and the Government as well as donor partners to work and strengthen relationship at all levels, adding that the partnership agreement is also intended to build a long lasting and sustainable bilateral relationship between CSOs and the local/national government. Mr. Omacso Z. Kamara, region 1 coordinator and Mr. Boimah Sando, County CSOs coordinator in separate comments, extended welcome remarks and expressed delight in the NCSCL leadership and participant’s full attendance and excellent performance over the years.

Meanwhile, the LAVI / USAID representative madam Lauren Reese, Project Outreach Associate thanked the regional CSOs for their cooperation over the years and noted that the USAID funded project is intended to work with CSOs at county and national levels to strengthen relationship and improve service delivery at all levels. She mentioned access to quality education, security, and gender based violence, youth political participation, private sector engagement, peace and reconciliation as key components of the USAID Project intervention deliverables. The LAVI USAID representative called on every participant to get fully involved and discussed those issues that could bring forth recommendations intended to enhance the project implementation deliverables.

19 Presentations and Motivational Messages:

The first motivational message was given by representatives Elizabeth Doeblah and Raphaelyn of Messenger of Peace. The messages focus on youth education, participation and peace building as key conduits for enhancing the well-being of the young people, and an assurance for ensuring national unity and development. The presentation was characterized by an open and participatory discussion involving the participants and the facilitators. Key issues highlighted during the presentation were as follows:

1. Community/ CSOs role and responsibility in promoting youth sustainable development and national unity 2. Role and responsibility of the parents who are the primary focus for promoting youth development and ensuring long lasting peace 3. Involving community and all local stakeholders in i and national peace and security 4. Using all local and national instruments including the local media institutions to increase information sharing and mass awareness towards building a vibrant and independent peace and security network at all levels of the community.

Meanwhile, the participants further noted community involvement with parents and guardians leading the process of engagement to institute best practices and measures as a means of promoting a successful and long lasting peace and security in Liberia. The participants of Cape Mount, Bomi and Gbarpolu counties in separate comments mentioned the role of the media, the national security sector of which the local community is a part, and the CSOs as completely indispensable to discouraging all acts of abuse including drugs abuse and other prohibited sexual practices against minors, girls and women. Participants in their contributions further committed themselves to working assiduously to promote and support youth participation, national security and development by taking ownership of their community security process and ensuring the total involvement of all stakeholders, irrespective of diversity.

Message on Security, GBV & Private sector engagement

Madam Greaves, in her separate presentation covering the topical issues above beginning with security, noted that the Liberia Peace Process is traced back to the Ghana Peace Accord which saw the full involvement of the National CSOs of Liberia including other notable women voicing institutions, engaged the international community informing them of the emergency/crisis in Liberia and further requested their relevant and timely interventions to restore peace and harmony among the Liberian People. The message further described security as a national responsibility of every individual citizen including the state and must be given due priority and consideration. It also highlighted and categorized security into national security, Human Security and Individual security as key components of the global security framework. A brief retrospection of the role played by Liberian women during the peace negotiation process adding that women too have a greater responsibility in identifying ways to mitigate conflict and harmonize national

20 crisis at all levels. The presentation also placed key importance on the role played by the former Sierra Leone President, Hon. Tejan Kabba who worked so tirelessly as a neutral body during the negotiation process, exemplifying leadership through demonstration sought to ensure that peace is restored in Liberia.

The second phase of the facilitation session was marked by the GBV component. Madam Greaves in her presentation defined GBV as the ability to abuse a woman without her permission, noting that the key word of concern is “without permission”. The presentation further indicated that children below the required age of consent or eighteen years ( 18yrs) are normally abused based on the following investigative factors;

1. Having a closer relationship with the family which oftentimes is used as a conduit for male relatives abusing the girl child ( committing incest) 2. Living in a communion household where there are more than ten family heads 3. Men continual and habitual use of power and influence to violate the rights of women and young girls due to their socio – political and economic powers 4. Inability of parents, community or the state to protect evidence in an SGBV case involving a girl child who has been sexually abused 5. Lack of proper understanding of the legal procedure for conducting speedy trial and prosecution, and delay in legal trial of cases involving an SGBV related due to limited interest of the male judge.

Message on Private sector engagement:

The presentation on private sector investment and engagement captured the Liberian Government key national economic reform policy included the Liberalization policy which basically seeks to promote Liberian ownership of local businesses and enterprises up to 25%. The presentation further spotlighted the following factors or challenges that continue to undermine the core objectives of the economic reform policy in Liberia as;

Lack of monitoring and enforcement of the core objectives of the Liberalization Policy on the part of the government ministries and agencies responsible to enforce economic development policy such as the ministries of commerce and economic development planning as well as the Liberia business association. Alleged that Liberian owned businesses are not encouraged and supported by other national Liberian businesses due to conflict of interests Limited or little knowledge of the Liberian business practitioners to report or far strike business related cases to the court following the appropriate legal means Limited innovation and skills to develop sustainable and vibrant frameworks intended to diversify and attract more investment and create the most suitable atmosphere for Liberians involvement and participation.

21 The ability of foreign director investors or businesses to create confusion among Liberian businesses so as to protect their interest.

The speaker then recommended, “there is a need to create a vibrant Liberian business environment which seeks to develop and support Liberian owned businesses and ensure that Liberians become a major player in the development and advancement of the Liberian economy in keeping with the core objectives of the Liberalization policy” was fully recommended by the speaker.

Message on Budget and Transparency:

Madam Emma Y. Boldoe presentation defined budget as a decision making instrument involving an estimated cost that comprises revenue and expenditure directed towards achieving a particular fiscal goal or objectives. According to Madam Boldoe, transparency is an act of exhibiting “hidden agenda” described in a simple Liberian context. Key elements of budget & transparency are highlighted as follows; a budget must be collective, involving, collaborative, open, participatory and accountable.

The presentation also identified the role and responsibilities of key factors associated with public budgeting in Liberia as, the executive branch of government comprising government lines agencies and ministries, responsible for developing and implementing core deliverables of the budget, and the national legislature made of public accounts committees that are responsible for making revision , approval and appropriation of public budgets intended for the implementation of the government’s key economic policies and deliverables of the country.

Group presentations focusing on Thematic Priority Issues

The Groups were divided into three with representation of all the stakeholders in each of the groups. Each group discussed the four questions for 1 hour and 20 minutes and wrote the findings on the flipchart papers based on each question. Each group was allotted 20 minutes to make their presentation on the four questions distributed. The group leader and secretary presented the group report, one reading and another person elaborating on the results. During the group presentation, the facilitator captured the following issues of priorities and selected priorities based on the questions and validated the action through a voting process to determine the final selection of three priorities in sequence for the regional dialogue.

Below is a summary of the presentation made identifying the priority issues based on each question.

22 Priority Issues from Group Discussion

GROUP QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4 PRIORITY PRIORITY ISSUES PRIORITY ISSUES PRIORITY ISSUES ISSUES I Education Security, Youth political Security Security Education participation, Health Education Gender Based Budget & Road Network Budget & transparency Violence transparency

II Education Security Health Security Security Education Agriculture Education Gender Based Budget & Road network National reconciliation Violence Transparency III Education Security Health Security Security Education Road network Education Gender Based Agriculture Agriculture Budget & transparency Violence

The Validation Session:

The validation session adopted a two prone critical analysis approach looking at the commonalities from the group reports and making determination in terms of prioritizing three of the thematic issues of importance and relevance based on each question. Secondly, the participants reviewing the priorities selected, voted on final three priorities in sequence representing the region voice.

THEMATIC ISSUES QUESTIONS PRIORITIES SELECTED

Education What other issues has the Liberian Security Security government NOT been effective at Education Gender Based Violence addressing in 2016? Budget & transparency

Youth Political Participation What three issues do you think the Security National Reconciliation Liberian government needs to focus Education Private Sector Engagement on in 2017? Select three issues in Budget & transparency Budget & Transparency order of importance?

What other issues do you think the Health Liberian government needs to focus Agriculture

on in 2017? Road network

What issues would you be willing to Security engage with the Liberian government Education

in addressing? Select 3 issues in order Budget & Transparency of importance.

During the validation session the participants casted votes on the selection of the three priority areas in sequence. The voting result was:

23 Security as priority number 1…………………………… 31 votes Education as priority number 2 ……………………….. 30 votes Budget & Transparency as priority number 3…… 28 votes

Thematic Recommendations:

The Tubmanburg, Bomi County consultative dialogue reviewing the validated priorities, resolved with the final selection of regional priorities following the counting of results as follows:

1. Security as priority number 1 2. Education as priority number 2 3. Budget & Transparency as priority number 3

Quotations from participants from civil society and government:

“Security is an enterprising moral “An educated mind is a responsibility of every citizen and as transformed mind of the such much be treated with enough society”. budgetary attention” Alex Balo (civil society) Hon. B.S Zinnah (Government) ,

“There is a need to create a vibrant Liberian business environment which seeks to develop and support Liberian owned businesses and ensure that Liberians become a major player in the development and advancement of the Liberian economy in keeping with the core objectives of the Liberalization policy” Frances R. Deigh Greaves (civil society)

24 Recommendation

The five regional consultative dialogues thematic recommendations revealed:

Harper: Education, security & budget and transparency; Zwedru: Security, education & national reconciliation; Gbarnga: Security, Education and Budget & Transparency; Buchanan: Education, Security and national Reconciliation; Tubmanburg: Security, Education and Budget & Transparency.

Reviewing the five regional consultative dialogues recommendations, the NCSCL observed that security was voted number 1 in three regions, Education voted number 1 in two regions; whilst budget and transparency were featured as number 3 in the three regions and national reconciliation in two regions.

Therefore, with the summative analysis from the consultative dialogues, the NCSCL is pleased to submit as key thematic recommendations out of the five regional consultations:

Security as priority number 1;

Education as priority number 2; and

Budget & Transparency as priority number 3.

25 Conclusion

The regional consultative dialogues held in Harper, Zwedru, Gbarnga, Buchanan and Tubmanburg collated 176 multi stakeholders from the government, private sector, civil society and the media as well as guests from the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL), the Messenger of Peace and the Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative Project. The various discussions produced a summative analysis of three thematic issues recommended for key action. The recommendations in terms of priority and sequencing included: security as priority 1, education as priority 2 and budget and transparency as priority 3. The Geopoll questionnaire used was very useful for the group discussion and inspired participants to look within the seven proposed thematic issues; and at the same time allowed the process of making self-decisions. Participants’ quotations inspired the plenary discussion and give value to the process. It was worth noting and appraised by participants LAVI action to engage the NCSCL to facilitate the consultative dialogue out which issues proposed were synchronized, validated and voted upon as key recommendations for LAVI 2nd thematic project window.

As a national apex body for civil society organizations in Liberia, the NCSCL showed gratitude to the United States Agency for International Development through the DAI for providing support that allowed citizens voice to be heard and valued. Such an initiative the NCSCL acknowledged as a sin qua non for democracy and product for peace, economic growth and development. The five regional consultative dialogues spiced the coordination initiative of the NCSCL and have increased momentum of government, private sector, civil society and media to continue the engagement process.

26 Appendix 1

Numerical matrix representation

NATIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY COUNCIL OF LIBERIA

PARTICIPANTS NUMERICAL MATRIX FOR REGIONAL CONSULTATIONS

COUNTY CSOs MALE FEMALE YOUTH TRAD. PRIVATE MEDIA LOCAL Guest TOTAL LEADERS SECTOR/ AUTH. BUSINES S GBARNGA, BONG 16 24 13 2 1 5 5 4 4 37 LOFA NIMBA

BUCHANAN 16 21 14 2 1 5 4 4 3 35 GRAND BASSA MARGIBI MONTSERRADO RIVERCESS

ZWEDRU 15 19 9 1 1 5 3 2 1 28 GRAND GEDEH SINOE

TUBMANBURG 18 26 13 2 1 5 5 4 4 39 BOMI CAPE MOUNT GBARPOLU

HARPER 17 25 12 2 2 7 4 4 1 37 MARYLAND GRAND KRU RIVERGEE 82 115 61 9 6 27 21 18 13 176