“My parents tried – with many of their sacrifices – to get me through high school during a time of great turmoil in my country, after which I started working several jobs to help financially. .”
Elfreda braids her hair and tutors younger children in her community, often returning home late at night, afraid of being raped at a time when sexual violence is rampant in Liberia.
Broken dreams
Rachel Briggs, another UNPOL officer from Liberia deployed to the world’s youngest country, has a similar story. “I had many dreams but the war in my country shattered them. I separated from my mother in 1990 and to this day, I do not know if she is dead or alive. I kept looking for her, but my life changed,” she revealed.
I always tell them – look where Liberia has been and look how peaceful we are now. If we can do it, so can you – Rachel
For UNPOL officer Alfreda Tozay, the memory of those killed, property destroyed and extreme famine still resonates.
“Liberia, when I was growing up, was a story of endless horror. My parents didn’t have enough food for us, and I would go to the bush, making charcoal to sell on the street. I will sell bread by the roadside. But still there was never enough to eat,” she recounts.
But their lives changed after the previous UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was launched in September 2003. The UN mission in Liberia was to oversee the ceasefire agreement following the second Liberian civil war. .
MISS
Nine policemen from Liberia received the prestigious United Nations medal for their efforts to build lasting peace in the world’s youngest country, South Sudan.
Signal of hope
But the ‘green helmets’ on the ground did not merely bring a troubled peace to a troubled country; they are a ray of hope for the people of Liberia, especially women, to rise up and help shape a brighter future.
Elfreda, Rachel and Alfreda attended UNMIL’s police training and became some of the first women to join the Liberian National Police.
Now, these remarkable women are part of the first deployment of UNPOL officers from Liberia to the United Nations Peacekeepers.
South Sudan, and specifically Bor in Jonglei state, where all three are stationed, hold a special place in their hearts.
‘If we can do it, so can you’
“When I got to Bor and started patrolling between the communities, I knew exactly what they were going through because I and all Liberians have suffered,” Elfreda said. “This puts me in a unique position to form bonds with the people of South Sudan and defuse any tension.
“When they hear my stories, they feel like they have found a sister. I always tell them – look where Liberia has been and look how peaceful we are now. If we can do it, so can you.”
Forget the past and build a better future together – Elfreda
For Rachel, empathizing with the South Sudanese communities she serves is immediately rewarding and commendable. “After my first patrol in Bor, I returned to my accommodation on duty and cried.
“It was like watching history repeat itself in South Sudan. But I know I can make a difference and give hope to the communities that live here. I tell them about my childhood, and I keep emphasizing one single point – forget the past and build a better future together for your children,” she said eloquently. passion
MISS
Nine policemen from Liberia received the prestigious United Nations medal for their efforts to build lasting peace in the world’s youngest country, South Sudan.
It’s pleasure to serve you
Alfreda adds: “Our experience of a 14-year civil war, and the impact that UN peacekeepers have had, is real and tangible on those we meet. I’m on the ground to serve. “We have benefited greatly from peacekeepers, and we are now honored to serve in this young nation under the iconic blue flag.”
Elfreda, Rachel and Alfreda are among nine Liberian UNPOL officers who have recently received the United Nations’ prestigious medal for their service to a lasting peace-building cause in South Sudan.
“Being on the pick list MISS is a dream come true and every day as we enhance the capacity of our local partners in the South Sudan Police Service, we ask them to look at us as an example of what that a nation and its women can achieve, with the help of the United Nations,” continued Rachel with a smile.
“We learned a lot from the UNMIL peacekeepers. Now, as UNMISS peacekeepers, it is time for us to give back to South Sudan,” concluded Elfreda.
‘There is no greater joy’
The historic medal ceremony for these nine outstanding Liberian policemen are full of special moments. It was particularly poignant when Murat Isik, UNMISS Chief of Staff – who had previously served with UNMIL from 2004-2005 as a lecturer at the Liberia Police Training Academy – pinned the medal. to one of his former students, Togba Massaquoi.
Mr. Isik said: “There is no greater joy than to see Togba serve so devotedly as my deputy at UNMISS, helping to create a more peaceful and prosperous South Sudan. Togba and all recipients of the award from Liberia are living examples of the power of peace.” Hungry spirit.
The emotional event was attended by UNMISS Police Commissioner, Christine Fossen, and Deputy Special Representative and Resident Coordinator for South Sudan, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who hails from Liberia.
