While the CDA is an important mechanism through which peacebuilding can be integrated into poverty reduction, the CDA is itself an exercise in peacebuilding. The process of preparing the CDA and the PRS through broad-based participation and consultation, reaching consensus, and transparent and accountable decision-making inspires confidence in the government and in peaceful coexistence. These principles are central to building trust and consolidating peace.

While the causes of violent conflict are multi-faceted, deep-rooted and complex, there are six key issue areas which require focused attention in the implementation of the CDA to mitigate their potential to mobilize groups for violent action.

Land conflicts – Land disputes have become a manifestation of conflict over identity and citizenship issues. There is a proliferation of land disputes over tenure and ownership, the reintegration of refugees and ex-combatants into communities in relation to property, the property rights of women, and private concessions.

Youth – Young men and women have been denied education, have had their transition from childhood to adulthood interrupted by war, have few skills and are often burdened with many of the responsibilities of adults, particularly as heads of households and income earners. Unmet expectations with this group could trigger significant social unrest, not only in County, but across Liberia and the region.

Political polarization – Reaching political consensus on the rules of the game, supporting reconciliation rather than polarization, and de-linking political and economic power are essential.

Management of natural resources – The County’s wealth of natural resources has not benefited the citizens as a whole but has served to create inequalities and resentment.

The State and its citizens – The Liberian State historically has been more predatory in nature than protective of its citizens; it created and exacerbated social divisions by marginalizing and denigrating certain social groups, and consolidating the domination of elites.

Weak and dysfunctional justice systems – The formal and customary justice systems do not provide justice and have created a system of impunity. Integrating peacebuilding into local and national development planning requires the authorities to adopt a new set of principles which are central to the process of democratization, of improving governance and of consolidating peace. The media, civil society organizations, the private sector and all other institutions have an important role to play in ensuring that these principles are upheld:

Meaningful Inclusion and Participation – Creating space for ordinary citizens to speak on the issues that concern them through sustainable processes of consultation is fundamental to peace. This must be inclusive to all ethnic and identity groups such as women and girls, men and boys, ex-combatants, waraffected populations, political parties, and civil society organizations.

Empowerment – In order for all Liberians to participate, disadvantaged, grassroots and rural groups need to be empowered by giving them the tools and capacities to participate and take ownership of decision-making processes.

Consensus building – It is not enough to listen to different perspectives; somehow they must be translated into the public interest as a basis for collective action.

Responsiveness – If no action is taken by local government in response to the concerns expressed by citizens, then the exercise of consultation is futile.

Transparency and accountability – Local government actions must be visible to the public to ensure they are taken in the interest of all citizens and not simply for the sake of any personal or group advancement. The mismanagement of the past, in which a small elite gained economic advantage over the majority, was a key factor in the conflict.

Fairness and impartiality – Rules and opportunities must apply to all citizens equally, regardless of status. The failure of the state in the past to be a fair and impartial mediator was another key source of conflict.