In a hotel that sells crafts imported from neighboring Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia’s vibrant culture stands as a testament to the country’s resilience and potential for growth. Despite its exterior progress, Liberia bears deep scars from years of conflict. As Sherman from the Foundation for International Dignity puts it, “Liberia is wearing clean clothes, but underneath, it’s got scars all over its body.” The wounds of the past are not easily healed, and many issues that contributed to the civil war remain unresolved. Strong tribal ties still exist, and the divisions created during the war—between the Krahn, the Gio, the Mandingo, and others—continue to simmer beneath the surface. “You can camouflage tribal affiliations, but they are still very present,” Sherman notes, highlighting the importance of addressing these lingering tensions.

Liberia’s journey toward reconciliation and unity is complex, but cultural initiatives are beginning to bridge the gaps. One prominent figure in this process is Amos Sawyer, former interim leader of Liberia, who has been instrumental in efforts to heal the nation’s wounds. Since the establishment of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2006, Sawyer has advocated for honest dialogue, acknowledging that reconciliation is “the most painful and difficult part of the reconstruction process.”

Liberia’s first female president and Nobel laureate, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has also contributed to the nation’s stability and progress. Under her leadership, Liberia has attracted $16 billion in foreign investment, made significant strides in empowering women, and repainted the streets of Monrovia—a symbol of hope for the future. However, the challenges of uniting a divided population persist, and Johnson-Sirleaf has faced criticism for not addressing certain key issues, such as gay rights. Despite these difficulties, Liberians recognize the president’s efforts, often saying, “The President is trying,” a reflection of the collective effort to rebuild the nation.

In a symbolic move, Johnson-Sirleaf appointed Leymah Gbowee, another Nobel laureate and women’s rights activist, to lead the Liberia Reconciliation Initiative. This initiative seeks to address the unresolved issues in regions such as Monrovia and Grand Gedeh, which were central to the unrest leading up to Black Monday. While progress has been slow, the initiative is working toward unity by hosting forums that allow young people from opposing backgrounds to engage in open dialogue.

Sports, a deeply rooted part of Liberian culture, has also played a crucial role in uniting the country. In Grand Gedeh, soccer—passionately loved by both former president Samuel Doe and legendary player George Weah—has become a symbol of reconciliation. A recent soccer tournament, held just a short distance from the house Doe built, brought together young men and women from different political and tribal affiliations. Despite initial fears of violence, the tournament unfolded peacefully, with players proudly displaying the flag of Grand Gedeh—its blue representing unity, green for the forest, orange for the sun, and white for peace.

Anthony Worlu, Grand Gedeh’s representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sport, exemplifies the cultural approach to healing. When faced with concerns that a match between pro-CDC and Unity Party players might lead to violence, Worlu made the bold decision to let them play. “Exactly what they need,” he said. “Let them play.”

Liberian culture, from its traditional crafts to its love of soccer, is proving to be a powerful tool in the country’s journey toward unity. While the road ahead is long, cultural initiatives and youth engagement offer hope that Liberia can continue to heal and grow. As Sherman aptly puts it, “Enough of being frightened now.”