The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, has called for a stronger regional cooperation, strategic investment, and youth empowerment during his address at the Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of the African Atlantic States in Rabat, Morocco.
Expressing gratitude to the Government and Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the event, Speaker Koon reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to fostering prosperity, stability, and cooperation among the Atlantic African States. Representing the Government and people of Liberia, Speaker Koon conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the 55th Legislature of Liberia.
Speaker Koon emphasized that Africa’s greatest resource is its youthful population, yet many young people embark on dangerous journeys across the Atlantic in search of better opportunities. He urged leaders to reverse this trend by investing in youth, equipping them with skills, and creating job opportunities to keep them engaged in their home countries.
He lauded His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Honorable Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Morocco, for their foresight in launching the Atlantic Initiative. Speaker Koon stressed its potential to transform the Atlantic Ocean from a historic corridor of exploitation into a gateway for economic expansion and regional integration.
The Liberian head of delegation noted that despite Africa harboring 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, its share in global trade remains below 3%. He called for a shift in this disparity by urging investors to explore Liberia’s abundant iron ore, timber, and agricultural potential as part of Africa’s Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaker Koon raised concerns over the Atlantic region’s vulnerability to transnational organized crime, illicit financial flows, and money laundering, citing reports from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) that Africa loses $88.6 billion annually due to illicit financial outflows.
He stated that in order to counter these threats, he proposed enhanced regional coordination in maritime security, financial regulation, and anti-money laundering policies. He further recommended the establishment of a Parliament of African Atlantic States, headquartered in Morocco, to spearhead legislative actions against these challenges.
Acknowledging the economic disparities between African nations, Speaker Koon called on Africa’s stronger economies to support smaller nations like Liberia through regional trade, investments, and capacity-building initiatives. He emphasized the essence of Pan-Africanism, advocating for collaboration to build a self-sufficient and prosperous continent.
Meanwhile, Speaker Koon has highlighted Liberia’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. He urged fellow African states to support Liberia’s bid, emphasizing the nation’s legacy of peacekeeping and democratic resilience as key credentials for representing Africa’s interests on the global stage.
Speaker Koon reaffirmed that the future of Africa’s Atlantic States depends on the strategic decisions made today. He called for youth empowerment, stricter financial regulations, and the utilization of the Atlantic as a means for sustainable development, assuring that Liberia remains committed to regional cooperation and economic transformation.
