Kaizen’s Mitigating Local Disputes in Liberia programs fostered more peaceful and safe communities by enhancing local governments’ capacity to mediate disputes and identify and respond to security threats.
Between 1989 and 2003, Liberia suffered from two civil wars that left hundreds of thousands dead or displaced and crippled the country’s infrastructure and political functions. As the government attempted to rebuild, it highlighted land disputes as a major potential flashpoint for future conflict. In response to this challenge, the Mitigating Local Disputes in Liberia (MIDL) program launched the first of three stages in 2011. As the project progressed past the first stage, implementers found land disputes were only one source of ongoing local and regional tensions. MIDL’s scope expanded significantly, with Kaizen implementing the second and third stages of the program.
Highlights
- The three phases of MLDL addressed more than 2,400 security issues
- Participants represent 600 communities reaching more than 1.4 million
- Covered 57 percent of the country, including most areas that previously experienced civil unrest
- Since MLDL started, Liberia experienced two peaceful transitions of power
With MLDL II and III, Kaizen expanded the program to include transnational organized crime, domestic violence, drug and human trafficking, election fraud, and other issues in its mandate. Throughout implementation, MLDL emphasized local capacity-building, particularly through cooperation with governments and civil services at all administrative levels. By holding monthly meetings at newly established Community Forums, improving Security Councils, and coordinating with the Liberian National Police, MLDL facilitated greater integration between the community and local and regional governments.
A major focus of the third phase was promoting sustainability to support ongoing improvements at the end of MLDL. Thus, alongside its continued capacity-building measures, MLDL III developed the Sustainability and Viability Execution (SAVE) Plan, which transitioned the operation of Community Forums and other civil programs to Liberian government agencies. Throughout its life cycle, MLDL consistently emphasized localization and sustainability in its efforts to mitigate security risks and better the lives of Liberian citizens.
At a glance
Client
INL
Status
Past
Location
Liberia
Services
Knowledge sharing networks, organizational development, peace, stabilization, and resilience
