How can we manage tension between citizens returning to post conflict countries and those who remain in the country during conflict?
This was the topic of discussion when seven female development practitioners met on October 15 in Monrovia. The purpose of the meeting was to set up a task force to respond to emergency calls from victims of sexual and gender based violence. But it was dominated by conversation about how Liberians returning home in this post conflict era relate to Liberians who stayed during the civil war.
An expert from South Africa working in Liberia explained that tension between these parties is a common problem. Those who went into exile during a conflict may return more highly educated, sometimes with western exposure, and occasionally with arrogant attitudes. They are bitterly resented by those who stayed and endured suffering, often putting their lives in the line of fire for freedom, or as peace activists in oppression during the war itself. The returnees often seek high paying jobs in the government, while others feel cheated or excluded.
The participants recalled several examples of Liberians who have returned and now work in the government earning higher salaries then Liberians who stayed home even though they may perform similar tasks. They feel that those returning have gained elite status, while those who remained in the country are either backwards or so traumatized that they cannot perform as well professionally. Conversely, those who stayed may also be arrogant, claiming that they suffered alone during the conflict. In their view, returnees had it easy and cannot understand what it means to live through such difficult times.
Participants recognized that the returnees are may be better educated and emotionally healthy. However, those who remained gained important experience during the war that should be valued as well. They felt that it would be helpful to open up dialogue so that the two groups can talk about how it was for them to stay or leave in order to facilitate understanding. There needs to be an understanding that returnees endured their own suffering, having to separate themselves from everything that was familiar and comfortable. They may have suffered in refugee camps, away from families, or saw their families killed. It should be understood that both groups suffered from the war. It should be acknowledged, however, that they all have a role to play in rebuilding the country and that some roles are better performed by the ones who left, while others are best performed by the ones who stayed. It requires both parties to move beyond the “us vs. them” mentality and look at themselves as Liberians, with different experiences, but who are all here now for one reason: to contribute to a better Liberia and to move away from the past to a brighter future for their children and grandchildren.
Cerue Konah Garlo is a Program Officer for the Civil Society and Media Leadership Project in Liberia (CSML). [10]