H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, has made Liberia’s case on democracy and good governance at the 65th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Summit was held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.
President Boakai expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support extended to him and his delegation, and thanked his colleagues for their congratulations and unwavering support, following his inauguration as the 26th President of Liberia.
He also expressed appreciation to his eminent counterparts for recognizing Liberia’s democracy and peaceful transition as a beacon of hope in the region, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with all member states and development partners to promote Liberia’s agenda for sustainable development on agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism, in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050, aimed at improving the living standard of the people.
The President emphasized his support for ECOWAS’ engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to dissuade them from withdrawing from ECOWAS. He, therefore, expressed Liberia’s readiness to actively join the ECOWAS Authority’s mediation efforts to facilitate the return of the three member states to the fold of ECOWAS, showing support for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region.
President Boakai announced Liberia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026/27 period. He sought ECOWAS’ support, and underlined Liberia’s commitment to championing the causes of post-war developing states in addressing pressing issues, such as migration resulting from terrorism, conflict, and climate change.
The President expressed optimism for a highly productive outcome of the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and extended his best wishes to all participants for a fruitful outcome.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Chief Executive joined other ECOWAS Leaders to unanimously endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria for a second term as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu appointed the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as his Special Envoy to mediate in reversing the decision of the three member states (Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso) to withdraw from ECOWAS.
The date and venue of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government will be announced later.
