By Laurina B Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to the initiatives and goals of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS).
On Sunday, December 15, President Boakai, addressed the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Making remarks, President Boakai emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated action to address the challenges and reaffirmed Liberia’s steadfast commitment to regional unity, peace, and development.
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.
“Since this Administration took office, we have made modest efforts to demonstrate our commitment to reducing the substantial obligations we inherited,” he said.
He 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.
President Boakai expressed grave concerns 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.”
President Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s financial obligations to ECOWAS and reiterated his Administration’s commitment to settling its outstanding Community Levy arrears.
He however 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 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.
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.
Recognizing the importance of collective security, President Boakai emphasized the need for stronger intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms across the region.
