To the esteemed leaders and members of the Tanmong Clan in Bimbagu And Gbong Clan in Nanik

Introduction

Located in the North Garden of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City is a statue bearing the inscription "Let Us Beat Swords into Ploughshares."

This iconic statue serves as a powerful symbol of peace and disarmament. It depicts a man hammering a sword into a ploughshare, conveying a poignant message of transformation from conflict to peaceful productivity.

The inscription on the statue is a reference to the Bible verse; Isaiah 2:4, which says, "They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."

The statue has become an iconic symbol of the United Nations' mission to promote peace and disarmament, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of working towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Inspired by this symbolism, I urge the Tanmong and Gbong clans to embrace the message of peace and reconciliation being communicated.

I write as a son of both Bimbagu and Naanik. My mother is of the TANMONG clan, and my father comes from the Gbong clan. So it is with about 90% of the people involved in this clan war.

Both clans are Bimobas. Among the Bimoba tribe, these two clans are said to be closely associated with each other than any of the clans for historical, social, and spiritual reasons.

In fact, if not for the fact that my mother is a woman, I can say without any hesitation or contradiction that she would have been the head of the TANMONG in Bimbagu today.

I find myself at the crossroads of this critical situation, not to lay blame on anyone.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that war has never solved any problem and that our utterances at this crucial time should be measured.

I therefore write to you today as a concerned and impartial messenger, urging you to lay down your arms and seek a path of peace and reconciliation.

The ongoing conflict over land and chieftaincy matters has caused immense suffering, displacement, and loss of life. It is time to recognise that violence and bloodshed will not resolve the issues at hand.

The consequences of war

War has devastating consequences that affect not only the present but also future generations. As we all know, what has happened has led to:

- Loss of innocent lives and destruction of property
- Displacement and suffering of women, children, and the elderly

It has also brought about:

- Economic instability and poverty
- Damage to the environment and infrastructure
- Breakdown of social structures and community relationships

Peace and Development

The area has witnessed a multitude of conflicts since the mid-1980s. Prior to these conflicts, the society was thriving, with robust economic and commercial activities.

Individuals were making significant strides in upgrading their existing infrastructure, and new ones were being constructed. By the standards of society, this represented a substantial leap in development.

In addition to the aforementioned points, peace and reconciliation offer numerous benefits, including:

- Restoration of relationships and social cohesion
- Economic growth and development
- Protection of human rights and dignity
- Preservation of cultural heritage and traditional practices
- A safer and more secure environment for all

A path forward

I respectfully urge consideration of the following steps towards peace and reconciliation:

1. Cease all hostilities and violence immediately.

2. Dialogue: Engage in open and honest dialogue between the Tanmong and Gbong clans to address the underlying issues and concerns in a transparent and sincere manner.

3. Mediation: Seek the assistance of neutral mediators to facilitate negotiations and find mutually acceptable solutions.

4. Reconciliation: Work towards healing and reconciliation by acknowledging the past and committing to a better future.

5. Cooperation: Build upon existing collaborations on joint projects and initiatives that promote economic development, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

6. Education and Cultural Awareness: Make deliberate efforts to educate our youth and others who may be unfamiliar with the history, relationship, and culture of the two clans, promoting greater understanding and empathy.

A call to leadership

As leaders, you have a critical role to play in shaping the future of your communities.

This is not the time for reprisals and beating of war drums.

For instance, Russia thought it could crush Ukraine in a matter of days, but it was never to be the David and Goliath war. Similarly, Israel never succeeded in eliminating Hamas.

In light of the same, I urge you to demonstrate courage, wisdom, and vision by choosing the path of peace and reconciliation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I appeal to both sides to recognise the devastating consequences of war and the benefits of peace. Let us work together to create a brighter future for all, where differences are resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.

May God bless and guide us on this journey towards peace and reconciliation.