By Laurina B Lormia (Cub-Reporter)
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has highlighted his policy actions and development plans for the citizens of Liberia.
President Boakai’s position was contained in a statement delivered on his behalf by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti on February 17, 2024 at the 37th African Union Summit (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He said a little less than a month ago, he was inaugurated as the 26th President of the Republic of Liberia following a free, fair, and transparent democratic election in which his political party, the Unity Party, emerged victorious, and added that his victory and inauguration marked Liberia’s third successive democratic transition from one President to another.
This, according to him, highlights the steady growth of Liberia’s democracy and the fierce determination of the Liberian people to stay the course of democracy. He then thanked the gallant people of Liberia for electing him as President and peacefully conducting themselves during the period of the elections.
He boldly reported that the post-war success story of Liberia was well on course, and that the country was making tremendous progress towards exerting and repositioning itself as the cradle of democracy and political transparency on the African Continent.
Addressing the theme of the 37th Ordinary Assembly of African Union: “Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Qualitative , Lifelong and Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa”, President Boakai hailed the theme as being both appropriate and meaningful because it provides the opportunity for the African continent to assess and address the global crisis in education by reviewing global commitment and joint action as Africa weighs heavier than other continents in the gaps towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the AU’s own Agenda 2063, which are reflected in the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy.
Boakai paid homage to the efforts of the founders of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), including his own country, Liberia, and their commitment to building a united and integrated Africa. He expressed happiness that such aspiration remains the motivation of the African Union.
He expressed appreciation to the African Union for the many contributions it has made to peace and stability, and to advancing democracy in Liberia, and noted that Liberia looks forward to continued engagements of the African Union with Liberia in the coming years ahead in strengthening the gains made together, while setting new goals that engender the socio-economic transformation of the African continent and the dignity of African people.
Boakai assured the assembly that Liberia will continue to play a meaningful role in the affairs and activities of the African Union (AU), further pledging Liberia’s commitment to protecting our planet, fostering peace, preventing conflicts, promoting trade and commerce, ensuring sustainable financing, and boosting partnerships.
Boakai informed the assembly that he has committed himself to the Liberian people to be their champion who will lead the charge to elevate their country to nobler heights.
Referring to his flagship development agenda known as ARREST: (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism), President Boakai stressed that the agenda demonstrates the shared determination and willingness to achieve peace, prosperity, national development; address extreme poverty, inequalities, infrastructure deficits, climate change, and equitable distribution of the national wealth.
He also pledged to continue efforts to align Liberia’s development priorities with Africa Agenda 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals. He indicated that Liberia has committed to the effective use of her resources – natural and financial, and also managing corruption.
Boakai noted that Africa’s transformation depends on peace and stability across the continent, adding that silencing the guns by 2030, therefore, requires more efforts on the part of the continent to promote the values of democratic governance. He said in his previous capacity as Vice president of the Republic of Liberia, it was his wish to see a peaceful and united Africa, but regretted that has not been the case.
Boakai concluded that as he joined this noble Assembly, it was his desire to work with his colleagues to ensure that our youths and children enjoy peace and reach their potential.
