On April 14, 2025—just one day after Lebanon marked the 50th anniversary of the start of its civil war—Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut hosted an extraordinary national event with powerful symbolic and human dimensions.
Under the patronage of the Ambassadors of France and the United Kingdom, and in the presence of ministers, ambassadors, and prominent, cultural, and diplomatic figures, MARCH, in collaboration with USJ’s Faculty of Political Science, organized a deeply moving event titled:
“Reconciliation in Tripoli: A Path to Rebuilding Lebanon’s Social Contract”
A Model of Reconciliation from Tripoli – Powerful Personal Testimonies
This was not just a symbolic gathering. It was a real, living space where former fighters and victims of sectarian violence from Tripoli came together on one stage. People who once fought each other stood side by side to send a clear message:
“Reconciliation isn’t a fantasy—it’s real and achievable, if there is genuine will and a comprehensive program like the one MARCH offers.”
Participants included ex-combatants and victims of violence from Beb al-Tebbeneh, Jabal Mohsen, and other conflict-affected neighborhoods in Tripoli. They shared honest testimonies about their journeys from violence to forgiveness, from division to rebuilding bridges—thanks to MARCH’s reconciliation program. Their stories became a powerful example of coexistence and a testament to the fact that transformation is possible.
These young men and women, once known for violence or victimhood, are now change-makers who work to ease tensions and build a better future in their communities. Their transformation stands as a model that could be replicated not just across Tripoli, but all of Lebanon—proving that national reconciliation is not a dream, but a possible reality.
Their voices also served as a call to the state—to acknowledge them, support them, and address tensions in the north and beyond. They stressed that while change is possible, it must be backed by the government and its institutions.
A Documentary and Theatrical Scene Reflecting the Journey of Reconciliation
The event also featured an emotional documentary chronicling both personal and collective transformations, as well as the impact of MARCH’s pioneering reconciliation and community development program. In addition, a powerful theater scene—written and performed by youth from Tripoli, joined by peers from Beirut (specifically from Chiyah, Ain El-Remmaneh, and Tariq El-Jdideh)—brought to life themes of change, hope, and cross-community partnership.
Words from MARCH Founder Lea Baroudi:
“The cycle of violence and division in Tripoli is rooted in long-term marginalization, neglect, and economic injustice.”
Tripoli is one of the poorest cities on the Mediterranean. That kind of neglect makes entire communities feel like they don’t belong to the nation.
When people lose their sense of belonging, they lose their identity. And in that void, they start looking for alternatives—whether ideological, sectarian, or even foreign.”
She added, “Without belonging, there can be no shared ground, no real reconciliation, and no healthy social contract.”
Baroudi emphasized that, especially given Lebanon’s current political and regional context, reconciliation is not optional—it’s a national necessity.
“The root of our crisis is the lack of trust among citizens. We’re always treating the symptoms, not the cause—and that’s no way to build a strong foundation.”
“Reconciliation shouldn’t just be a handful of symbolic gestures or elite dialogues. It must be institutionalized—within ministries, public policies, and across all sectors.”
She urged for reconciliation to become a part of national planning—through education, justice, sports, culture, media, tourism, and local governance—not just something civil society carries alone.
The Attendees:
The event was attended by the British Ambassador Hamish Cowell and French Ambassador Herve Magro, along with:
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Minister of Social Affairs Hanine El Sayed
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Minister of Justice Adel Nassar
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Representative of the Minister of Information, Rita Najem Roumi (Programs Director, Radio Lebanon)
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Representative of the Minister of Culture, Director-General Dr. Ali Al-Samad
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Representative of the Minister of Education, Professor Fahmi Karami
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Ambassadors from Spain, Sweden, and Canada
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Former ministers Nassif Hitti and Ziad Makary
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Members of the military, academics, civil society leaders, and media figures
Words of Support from Diplomats and the Minister of Justice:
The high-level turnout sent a strong signal of support for this grassroots initiative with national ambitions.
The British ambassador praised MARCH’s work, saying, “This initiative lays the foundation for Lebanon’s future—it deserves all our support.”
The French ambassador commended the participants’ courage:
“You’ve built bridges between former enemies. That message extends beyond Lebanon’s borders.”
Lebanon’s Minister of Justice called for replicating this model nationwide, asserting that real peace only comes when the excluded are brought into the fold and the voices on the margins are heard.
From the Margins to the Center: A New Birth of Hope
This rare moment—where diverse voices from different regions and backgrounds came together in honesty and unity—highlighted the potential for a new kind of Lebanon. One built not on division, but on reconciliation and trust.
What happened in Beirut that day wasn’t just an event—it was a glimpse of what national reconciliation can look like: a process that includes everyone, especially those long pushed to the sidelines. A vision for a united Lebanon, from the far north to the deep south.
