By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has returned to Liberia following his participation in the Africa Peace Awards Ceremony held in Sacramento, California, where he was honored for his leadership in peacebuilding and national reconciliation efforts.
The Liberian leader arrived Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County, where he was received after what officials described as a successful international engagement.
President Boakai had travelled to the United States earlier in the week, where he was formally recognized at a high-level event hosted at the historic Julia Morgan House in Sacramento. The ceremony was organized in collaboration with California State University and brought together senior university officials, academics, members of the Liberian community, and representatives of the Liberian government delegation.
At the reception on Monday, April 27, 2026, California State University President Luke Wood led tributes to Boakai, praising his leadership and describing him as a consistent advocate for peace and unity in Liberia and the wider region.
During the ceremony, President Boakai was presented with a commemorative plaque recognizing his “steadfast commitment to peace, reconciliation, and national stability.” Organizers said the recognition reflected his growing international profile and Liberia’s expanding diplomatic and academic partnerships.
In his remarks, President Boakai expressed gratitude for the honor, describing it as a symbol of strengthening ties between Liberia and global academic institutions. He also emphasized his administration’s interest in deepening cooperation in education, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives.
However, upon his return to Monrovia, the President faced questions from journalists regarding criticism from opposition figures in Liberia who have dismissed the award as having little relevance to the Liberian people.
Responding briefly, President Boakai appeared to downplay the criticism, saying: “I just wanted you to repeat the word ‘opposition’. What do you expect of them?”
The comment comes amid ongoing political exchanges between the government and opposition voices, many of whom have questioned the significance of international recognitions received by state officials.
Despite the criticism, government officials have maintained that Boakai’s participation in the Sacramento event underscores Liberia’s growing visibility in international peace and leadership platforms.
The Presidency has not issued an additional formal response to the opposition’s remarks as of press time, but officials say the award reflects confidence in Liberia’s current direction under Boakai’s leadership.
