Pres. Weah Participates In Second United States Democracy Summit; Vows To Make Liberia Bastion Of Global Democracy
The President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, has been shedding light on the country’s democratic records, tracing the struggle of Liberians in strengthening and effectuating democracy for the shared benefits of all citizens and the rest of the world.
The Liberian leader on Thursday, March 30, 2023, virtually joined other leaders and champions of democracy for the Second United States Democracy Summit, barely two days after returning home from important and strategic international engagements in the US and UAE.
In a statement, President Weah informed the global gathering that Liberia has successfully implemented every commitment made, aimed at strengthening and safeguarding democracy at home and abroad.
It can be recalled that the President, during the First Edition of the Democracy Summit, pledged his Administration’s unflinching commitment to the defense of democracy, the fight against corruption, and the promotion of human rights and good governance.
The Liberian Chief Executive told the Summit that his government continues to deliver on the commitments for media freedom and openness in legislative processes, as well as the elimination of harmful traditional practices.
Recounting further progress made in enhancing democracy, the President named the enactment of a landmark anti-corruption law, which he opined gives greater independence and autonomy to existing ant-corruption agencies.
“We have also enacted a new anti-money laundering law to fight illicit financial flows as well as drugs and terrorism financing,” the President said.
According to him, Liberia has been consistent and steadfast on the path of democracy, recalling that new laws have been enacted to protect free speech, and the right to freedom of assembly has also been guaranteed.
“There have been no political prisoners or prisoners of conscience since the beginning of my administration more than five years ago,” President Weah emphasized.
He added, “Our democratic institutions, including the Judiciary, continue to improve on their capacities to respect and protect the fundamental rights of citizens and residents, and to strengthen accountability, transparency and the rule of law.”
President Weah reminded the forum how, during his visit to Washington last December, he affirmed his commitment to free, fair, transparent and peaceful presidential and legislative elections due in October this year—an exercise he said will “strengthen our democratic credentials and showcase Liberia as a bastion of democracy in Africa”.
The President said his government would remain unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that the tenets of democracy are deepened, and that the country becomes a pillar of democracy on the African Continent as well as an integral part of the global coalition in defense of democracy in the world.
President Weah thanked US President Joe Biden and co-hosts for the honor bestowed upon him to participate in the Second Democracy Summit and for organizing the summit.
The Liberian President described the summit as a significant platform in the cause of democratic governance.