MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday, May 2, delivered a compelling address at the relaunch of the Ambassadorial Lecture and Seminar Series hosted by the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute. In his first visit to the Institute as President, Boakai articulated a sweeping vision for Liberia’s foreign policy and national development, linking the nation’s historic diplomatic leadership to contemporary challenges and aspirations.
President Boakai began by paying tribute to Liberia’s diplomatic legacy and the pivotal role played by the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, established in 1951, in shaping the country’s foreign service corps. He acknowledged the nation’s rich history of diplomacy, citing the heroic efforts of Liberian diplomats who protected the nation’s sovereignty and negotiated with global powers during periods of intense geopolitical tension.
Quoting historian Dr. D. Elwood Dunn, Boakai referred to Liberia’s early years as a “Century of Survival,” during which the country’s diplomats preserved national independence without the backing of a standing army. He underscored how Liberia took on a leadership role in the African decolonization movement and the global push for freedom, often “punching above its weight” in international forums.
Boakai recounted Liberia’s role in convening historic gatherings, including the 1959 Sanniquellie Conference and the subsequent Monrovia and Lagos Conferences, all of which helped shape the formation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. He noted with pride that Liberia not only helped initiate the idea but also drafted the OAU Charter, reflecting its longstanding foreign policy of friendship and good neighborliness.
The President highlighted Liberia’s instrumental diplomatic initiatives, such as its opposition to South Africa’s apartheid regime at the International Court of Justice and the election of Madam Angie Brooks Randolph as the first female African President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1969. He described these moments as defining milestones that underscore Liberia’s commitment to justice, equality, and global peace.
Acknowledging the country’s leadership in regional cooperation, Boakai recalled Liberia’s role in the formation of the Mano River Union and ECOWAS, and the contributions of Liberian troops to peacekeeping efforts from the Congo in the 1960s to Mali in recent times. However, he noted that the 14-year civil war devastated the nation’s institutions and infrastructure, leaving his administration with the daunting task of national reconstruction.
Boakai explained that his government’s ARREST Agenda focuses on agriculture, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. He celebrated the passage of legislation creating a National Tourism Authority and stressed the importance of food security through agricultural modernization and value addition.
Despite modest progress, the President admitted that the administration must intensify efforts to combat corruption and ensure delivery of essential services. He called for resetting Liberia’s foreign policy to align with shifting global dynamics and for positioning well-trained personnel across diplomatic missions to strengthen economic and cultural diplomacy.
He emphasized that Liberia must remain active in international affairs, highlighting the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The President advocated for partnerships that promote technology transfer, access to global markets, and agricultural modernization, particularly through cooperation with nations with advanced farming technologies.
Boakai outlined plans to strengthen regional infrastructure through integrated transport networks and port modernization. He also emphasized sustainable development through international cooperation that prioritizes Liberian needs over dependency on foreign aid.
On regional security, Boakai proposed a strategic framework that addresses emerging threats in West Africa, including the Sahel crisis. He stressed the importance of joint border control, intelligence sharing, and economic development in vulnerable areas, describing regional stability as a prerequisite for Liberia’s peace and prosperity.
President Boakai closed by emphasizing the need for high-quality education, modern digital infrastructure, and disciplined diplomatic practices. He envisioned a foreign service that promotes investment through targeted frameworks and public-private partnerships, protects investor interests, and facilitates trade development through reduced barriers and export promotion.
In conclusion, Boakai called for a balanced and strategic foreign policy rooted in Liberia’s founding principles and forward-looking enough to seize modern opportunities. He asserted that Liberia’s path to global relevance lies in strategic diplomatic engagement, robust national development, and unwavering adherence to the values of peace and cooperation.
