By: Mohamed Sahr
mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
On March 1, 2025, the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) offices in both countries, officially launched the GOLA-REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Peace-building) project at Bo Waterside, Liberia. This pivotal event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, UN representatives, civil society organizations, community leaders, and members of the Mano River Union (MRU), to enhance peace-building efforts, sustainable livelihoods, and cross-border cooperation between the two countries.
The GOLA-REAP project is focused on strengthening social cohesion, improving border management, enhancing local governance, and promoting climate-smart agriculture. The initiative aims to reduce conflict risks and foster economic resilience in the Gola Forest Landscape, a shared protected ecosystem between Liberia and Sierra Leone, which is vital for biodiversity, livelihoods, and cross-border trade.
With support from the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peace-building Fund (PBF), which is the UN’s primary financial instrument for peace-building and conflict prevention, the project emphasises the importance of joint UN efforts to address critical peace-building opportunities. The PBF facilitates coordinated responses that connect development, humanitarian, human rights, and peace-building efforts.
The Honourable Morie Lengor, Minister of Internal Affairs in Sierra Leone, linked the GOLA-REAP initiative to national development priorities. He underscored the importance of Sierra Leone’s 5 Big Game Changers and Feed Salone initiatives, calling on communities to actively participate in sustainable resource management. “By strengthening cross-border collaboration, we are nurturing peace, resilience, and economic empowerment for both Sierra Leone and Liberia,” he said.
Seraphine Wakana, the UN Resident Coordinator for Sierra Leone, praised the strategic importance of Grand Cape Mount County, emphasising the critical role it plays in regional peace-building. “This border is not only a line that separates two countries; it symbolises a shared past, a shared present, and a shared future—a future that both countries are dedicated to improving. Above all, it represents shared peace,” she stated.
The GOLA-REAP project will be jointly led by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP), with implementation in both Liberia and Sierra Leone. The project will involve national governments, local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations, and regional institutions like the MRU.
Key policymakers and peace advocates have already voiced their support for the project, highlighting the importance of the Gola Forest area for sustaining peace, security, and resilience in both nations. They also emphasised the project’s potential to prevent conflict and promote long-term peace in the region.
Edward K. Mulbah, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Research and Development Planning, reiterated the significance of resilience in the region. “The Gola Forest is a shared heritage and a cornerstone for peace, security, and economic resilience between our two countries. This reflects our commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation,” he said.
The GOLA-REAP project builds upon cross-border peace-building efforts in Sierra Leone and Guinea, where IOM and WFP supported governments in strengthening civil institutions and developing policies for conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence between cattle herders and crop farmers in border areas.
Through enhanced collaboration and trust-building between local communities, forest rangers, border authorities, and national governments, the project aims to prevent and resolve conflicts while promoting sustainable resource management in the Gola Forest region.
“This project provides us with a unique opportunity to transform the Gola Forest into a lasting symbol of cross-border peace-building, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” said Christine N. Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator for Liberia. “Together, let’s seize this moment and turn our shared vision into a reality.”
Lawrence V. Sherbo, Commissioner of Liberia’s Kongba District, echoed this sentiment, adding, “This forest is our heritage. We must protect it for future generations.”