Liberia: President Boakai Calls for Unity and Stronger Institutions at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority and Heads of State and Government  - FrontPageAfrica

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Abuja, Nigeria – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today addressed the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria.

In his remarks, President Boakai highlighted the critical issues affecting the West African region, including political instability, security challenges, and the planned withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the ECOWAS bloc in January 2025. 

He emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated action to address these challenges and reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to regional unity, peace, and development.

President Boakai expressed grave concern over the escalating insecurity in the Sahel Region and the impact of political transitions in several member states, stressing that the collective strength of the ECOWAS Community lies in its unity, noting:

“No force, no matter how strong, can crush a united people. In unity, our region is stronger,” the President asserted.

The Liberian Leader also called for the lifting of sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, urging for dialogue and reconciliation to bring these nations back into the ECOWAS fold. He reaffirmed Liberia’s support for ongoing mediation processes and regional efforts to restore stability.

President Boakai highlighted pressing socio-economic challenges, including rising unemployment, human trafficking, and the drug epidemic, which he described as contributing factors to regional instability. He called on ECOWAS leaders to develop strategies to empower the region’s youth, enhance resilience, and address the root causes of these crises.

Recognizing the importance of collective security, President Boakai emphasized the need for stronger intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms across the region. 

On the issue of Liberia’s financial obligations to the Community, President Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s financial obligations to ECOWAS and reiterated his Administration’s commitment to settling its outstanding Community Levy arrears.

“Since this Administration took office, we have made modest efforts to demonstrate our commitment to reducing the substantial obligations we inherited,” he said.

Liberia’s Role in Regional and Global Diplomacy

The Liberian Chief Executive reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to ECOWAS initiatives, including its leadership roles in combating money laundering through GIABA and its active participation in the ECOWAS Parliamentary Committee on Peace and Security. 

He also celebrated the recent endorsement of Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2026-2027, describing it as a testament to the country’s growing role as a trusted partner in global and regional diplomacy.

A Call for Renewed Cooperation

In closing, President Boakai urged his fellow leaders to be guided by the principles of peace, dialogue, and regional cooperation, calling for a shared vision of a stable, prosperous, and resilient West Africa.

“Together, we can confront the challenges of our time and build a future that serves the interests of all our peoples,” he stated.

The 66th ECOWAS Ordinary Session continues as leaders deliberate on strategies to address the pressing challenges facing the region and reaffirm their commitment to regional integration and development.