The Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) Permanent Representatives Committee(PRC), a powerful diplomatic organ comprising Ambassadors from ECOWAS member states accredited to Nigeria and Permanent Representatives to the ECOWAS Commission assigned in Abuja, have paid special homage to Al Hassan Conteh, outgoing Ambassador of Liberia in recognition of his outstanding service and extraordinary efforts in promoting the ECOWAS’ agenda during his tenure as Ambassador to Nigeria and Permanent Representative of Liberia to ECOWAS.
At an elaborate ceremony held at the resident of the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Gambia, Mohamadou Musa Njie, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Conteh was eulogized by his colleagues for his leadership, courage and commitment in cementing friendship, solidarity and a strong bond of affection amongst members of the PRC and the larger diplomatic community in Nigeria.
He was credited for his dedication in fostering collaboration, peace and harmony among member states of ECOWAS.
Conteh was hailed as a pivotal figure in promoting the mission of ECOWAS, particularly in the areas of regional stability, economic cooperation, and social integration.
His commitment to these principles has been reflected in his tireless advocacy for policies that support peace and development across West Africa.
During his tenure, especially as Dean of the West African Diplomatic Corps, Professor Conteh worked diligently to strengthen ties between Liberia and other member states, thereby enhancing diplomatic relations and encouraging mutual support in various initiatives.
In a moving tribute to Ambassador Conteh, led by the Chairman of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS Ambassador, Musa Nuhu, members of the PRC individually recounted their interactions and experiences of Ambassador Conteh and also highlighted his invaluable role in providing technical support to his colleagues in Abuja.
His efforts in capacity building, knowledge sharing, and mentorship was hailed as significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Diplomatic Mission.
Several ambassadors took the floor to share their experiences working alongside Conteh, emphasizing how his leadership and expertise positively impacted their diplomatic pursuits.
The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, Kalilou Traore made a special appeal to write his memoir to be taught in West African schools.
Speaking further, he said, “Ambassador Conteh’s dedication to our collective goals has inspired many of us. His willingness to lend a helping hand and share his wealth of knowledge is a testament to his commitment not only to Liberia, but to the entire West African region.”
The Ambassadors of ECOWAS commended Conteh’s service and contributions, extending their best wishes for his future endeavors.
They indicated that the spirit of collaboration and unity that he has fostered will continue to thrive within the ECOWAS community.
In his tribute, Ambassador Robert Y. Lormia, II, Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Liberia, thanked members of the PRC for honoring Ambassador Conteh, adding, “ your honest and inspiring words of the achievements of Ambassador Conteh has brought pride to the Republic of Liberia, and an inspiration for me to guide his legacy”, further adding, “you worked with him over the years, but I lived with him and studied him at close range to be an exceptionally patient and courageous man, sometimes wonder whether he gets angry.”
He described the honor of Ambassador Conteh as a recognition of the virtue of Liberian diplomacy.
Ambassador Conteh will be leaving his post in Abuja after 16 years of dedicated service to take up a new assignment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to the United States of America, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure among his colleagues and within the initiatives he championed.
The ECOWAS Ambassadors reaffirmed their collective commitment to the region’s peace and development, honoring the foundation set by leaders like Dr. Conteh.
Ambassador Conteh expressed gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him by his peers. He stated, “It has been my honor to serve as Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS by extension and to contribute to our shared vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
Together, we have faced challenges and celebrated successes, and I am proud of what we have achieved as a community.”
Ambassador Conteh used the occasion to solicit the continuous support of his colleagues for Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
It can be recalled that in 2024, the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched its bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
In a show of further respect and solidarity, Ambassadors from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were in attendance and rained praises on Ambassador Conteh.
