The African Youth Fellowship (AYF) Liberia has announced its countdown to the all-important grand Peace event slated for Liberia—Liberia Run4Peace 2024. Happening on 21 September 2024, the program brings over 500 participants from its youth groups, women’s rights activists, student leaders, and community organizers, as well as international aid agencies. The goal? Reiterating the joint responsibility to sustain peace in a nation that has benefitted from two decades of peace after a catastrophic civil war.

Celebrating 21 Years of Peace in Liberia

This year’s Run4Peace is taking place at an important time in Liberia as the country marks more than two decades of peace. Despite a brutal 14-year civil war, the country has managed to rebuild itself and become part of a peaceful society. Under the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” it highlights that every citizen has an important role to play in guaranteeing that this peace is safeguarded and maintained.

The event starts at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town by 7:00 AM and ends at Invincible Park in Sinkor. The participants in Monrovia will run or walk together to show unity, resilience, and hope for Liberia moving forward.

Run4Peace: More Than Just a Race

This event is far more than just a fitness activity for Moses Buwee, the founder of AYF Liberia. “We are not just running to exercise; we are running for peace! It is just a manner of reminding all that peace is everybody’s business,” said Buwee. His comments echo what the initiative seeks to do: to provoke thoughts on some of Liberia’s past and inspire Liberians to build a more peaceful and united country.

Prominent participants to grace the occasion include the EU Ambassador, the ECOWAS Ambassador, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee, among others. Their participation affirms the necessity of lasting peace not only for Liberia but more broadly with regard to West Africa.

Why Should You Join Run4Peace 2024?

The Liberia 2024 Run4Peace sends a strong message to the world: this is more than just an event; this is a culture shift!!! At the end of the day, it is more important that a mere cross section join us than no one at all, as your participation communicates to everyone, including student leaders, community heads, or just everyday citizens, that peace means everything for Liberia. According to Moses Buwee, “Your presence at Run4Peace indicates in no uncertain terms that peace and unity are sacrosanct for Liberia’s forward movement.”

By participating, you are not only observing the peace that Liberians have won—but also ensuring a place in our present history for it and helping to keep it.

Final Call to Action: Secure Liberia’s Peaceful Future

Bebee has challenged all her compatriots to participate in Run4Peace 2024. You can make this ripple effect across communities and inspire peacebuilding across the nation, whether you are young, old, a student, or a working professional. “Peace isn’t just the responsibility of a few, it’s a collective engagement of all Liberians,” he asserted.

As Liberia endeavors to forge ahead, activities such as Run4Peace are important in helping make certain that peace is placed at the center of the nation. The event is not just a race; it celebrates the journey of Liberia for peace and reconciliation.