President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has departed Liberia to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, scheduled for February 14—16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit, themed, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, will convene heads of state and government from across the continent to deliberate on pressing issues affecting Africa and to establish policy priorities for the up-coming year.
President Boakai is expected to engage in discussions focusing on sustainable financing mechanisms for quality education and skills development in Africa, aligning with Liberia’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities and economic growth.
The President will be accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of State Without Portfolio Mamaka Bility, Economic Advisor, Morley Kamara, Grand Bassa County Senator, Gbehzohngar M. Findley, and Chairman on Executive, House of Representatives, Sekou Kanneh, who will participate in a number of high-level meetings and side events during the summit.
This marks President Boakai’s first attendance of an AU summit since assuming office in January 2024.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, his participation underscores Liberia’s dedication to active engagement in continental affairs and collaboration with fellow African nations to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development.
While in Addis Ababa, President Boakai is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other African leaders on matters of mutual interest, including regional security, economic cooperation, and strategies to combat climate change.
While the President is away, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grigsby, will chair the cabinet in consultation with the Vice President and the President via telephone.
President Boakai and his delegation are expected to return to Liberia on February 17, 2025.