MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Saturday, December 14, 2024, addressed the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria. His remarks focused on critical regional issues, including political instability, security concerns, and the planned withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the ECOWAS bloc in January 2025.
In a statement issued by the Executive Mansion on Sunday, December 15, President Boakai emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address these challenges, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to regional peace, unity, and development.
President Boakai expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in the Sahel region and the political transitions in several member states. He underscored the importance of unity, stating:
“No force, no matter how strong, can crush a united people. In unity, our region is stronger.”
The Liberian leader also urged ECOWAS to lift sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, advocating for dialogue and reconciliation to reintegrate these nations into the regional bloc. He commended ongoing mediation efforts aimed at restoring stability.
Highlighting socio-economic issues such as rising unemployment, human trafficking, and the drug epidemic, President Boakai called for the development of strategies to empower youth and address the root causes of regional instability. He emphasized the need for stronger intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms to bolster collective security across West Africa.
President Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s financial obligations to ECOWAS and reiterated his administration’s commitment to settling outstanding arrears.
“Since this administration took office, we have made modest efforts to demonstrate our commitment to reducing the substantial obligations we inherited,” he said.
The President celebrated Liberia’s recent endorsement for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2026-2027, describing it as a testament to the nation’s growing role in global and regional diplomacy. He also reaffirmed Liberia’s leadership in ECOWAS initiatives such as combating money laundering through GIABA and participating in the ECOWAS Parliamentary Committee on Peace and Security.
In his closing remarks, President Boakai urged his fellow leaders to prioritize peace, dialogue, and cooperation, envisioning a stable and prosperous West Africa.
“Together, we can confront the challenges of our time and build a future that serves the interests of all our peoples,” he concluded.
President Boakai and his delegation returned to Liberia on Monday, December 16, 2024, following what has been described as a successful participation in the 66th ECOWAS Ordinary Session.
