By Laurina B. Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has underscored Liberia’s deep and unique connection to the history of slavery, emphasizing the nation’s legacy as a beacon of freedom for formerly enslaved African Americans.
Speaking for the first time at the African Union (AU) Summit, before African leaders and global dignitaries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” President Boakai emphasized that, the time for reckoning with slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism is now.
According to him, Liberia stands as a natural advocate for reparations. Its ongoing commitment to justice and healing underscores the importance of addressing past wrongs and ensuring the dignity, rights, and opportunities of all Africans and people of African descent.
He underscored Liberia’s historic role in African liberation and its deep ties to the legacy of freed slaves. With 5% of Liberia’s population being direct descendants of freed African Americans. Adding, the country has a unique perspective on the long-lasting impact of historical injustices.
“We do not see our development in isolation, as our growth is Africa’s growth,” President Boakai asserted, calling for greater unity and collaboration across the continent, stating, Liberia firmly believes in the importance of reparations as a critical first step toward addressing the lasting legacy and impacts of these historical injustices.
He however, emphasized that since assuming office on January 22, 2024, his government has launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
This five-year development plan aims to modernize Liberia’s infrastructure, foster good governance, revitalize our economy, and empower our citizens, with a focus on women and youth.
President Boakai further expressed gratitude to the AU for its role in ensuring Liberia’s democratic stability, particularly during the 2023 elections, where over 60 observers were deployed. Additionally, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2026-2027, pledging to be a strong voice for Africa on peace, security, and development.
“We look forward to working with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is vying for the other seat, in undertaking continent-wide initiatives such as addressing the nexus between resources and conflict in Africa,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he congratulated Angola President João Lourenço, on his election as Chairperson of the African Union for 2025. “We are confident that your leadership will continue the strides made by your predecessor, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, in steering the Union towards success,” he added.
