Sports for Reconciliation: Bridging Divides between Former Fighters and the Lebanese Armed Forces Tripoli has long grappled with conflict, social unrest, and insecurity within its communities, particularly in Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh. Furthermore, socio-economic instability, gang activity, drug use, and the widespread presence of illegal weapons have intensified these challenges. This situation often places the Lebanese Army, already operating with limited resources, and continuously on the brink of conflict with these communities. MARCH’s projects’ focused on repairing and mending relations between the communities of Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh and the Lebanese Army, as well as fostering reconciliation among the communities themselves. As part of its distinctive Sports for Reconciliation initiatives, MARCH organized a joint football tournament aimed to mitigate divisions and tensions by uniting army personnel and at-risk youth in a spirit of unity and camaraderie. The Tournament From the 19th to the 27th of July 2023, the tournament brought together 20 members of the Lebanese Armed Forces’ 12th brigade and 41 at-risk youth from Tripoli’s Jabal Mohsen and Beb el Tebbeneh neighborhoods. Additionally, around 70 community members and 60 army personnel participated in or attended the event with the aim of celebrating the unity and spirit of the youth and army’s collaboration. Breaking Barriers through capacity building Prior to the tournament, participants underwent workshops focusing on cultural sensitivity, communication skills, and conflict resolution. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the tools necessary to engage in constructive dialogue and overcome long standing barriers between communities and the army. Many of the youth had never interacted with army personnel before, and did not even accept to be part of the initiative at first, viewing them as adversaries. Through facilitated discussions and storytelling sessions, the youth shared personal experiences, fostering empathy and recognizing commonalities that transcended divides. Closing Ceremony The tournament culminated in a closing ceremony attended by prominent figures, including the General Coordinator of MARCH, Lea Baroudi, and General Major Fadi Bou Haidar, commander of the 12th brigade. Trophies and medals were awarded to recognize the youths’ achievements and contributions to fostering unity and dialogue. In conclusion, the United for Tripoli Football Tournament 2023 demonstrated the power of sport and dialogue in bridging divides and fostering understanding among communities long divided by conflict. By bringing together army personnel and at-risk youth, this initiative laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, reconciliation and mitigating long standing tensions in Tripoli.
Tag: together against drugs
Let’s Celebrate Together: Bridging Divides and Fostering Unity in Tripoli
“Let’s Celebrate Together!” This festival, organized by MARCH, brilliantly transformed the old demarcation lines of Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh into a vibrant space for celebration and unity! Stretching along Syria Street, between the neighborhoods of Tebbaneh and Jabal, this event was a collaborative effort with the Lebanese Army. The festival was launched with the aim of fostering a sense of bonding and acceptance between the neighboring areas, which had seen nearly a decade of conflict and division. Nonetheless, in 2014, the implementation of the security plan by the Lebanese Army, marked by mass arrests, resulted in tensions between the communities and the army and trust in the security institutions waned. As a response, and as part of MARCH’s efforts in building bridges between communities and security institutions, the festival sought to rebuild relationships between these communities and between them and the army, featuring a diverse array of unique military and artistic performances. Under the inspiring slogan “Together Against Drugs,” “Together Against Stray Bullets,” and “Together for a More Beautiful Tripoli,” the dedicated young men and women from MARCH, in collaboration with Lebanese Army personnel, set up stalls along Syria Street. They also distributed snacks and beverages to their communities. The Lebanese Army’s initiative to prepare and distribute the renowned “Habayeb” dish of Tripoli captured the community’s attention, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. As we build bridges between security institutions and communities, we are actively promoting a sustainable and positive relationship founded on trust. This trust, in turn, fosters a vital sense of safety and security in the area. At last, the “Let’s Celebrate Together” festival is a testament to the power of unity and shared celebrations in mending divides and promoting harmony within a community. It serves as an example of how even after years of conflict, reconciliation is achievable through collaborative efforts and a shared vision of a brighter future. Together, we can indeed celebrate and build a better, more secure Tripoli.
