Liberia: “Liberia Cradle of Democracy and Political Transparency on the African Continent”

The speech of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, read by Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has declared that the third successive democratic transition from one president to another has highlighted the steady growth of Liberia’s democracy and the fierce determination of the Liberian people to stay on the course of democracy.

Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma, Sr., at the 37th ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Foreign Minister Nyanti said Liberia is well on course as a postwar success story in making tremendous progress towards exerting and repositioning itself as the cradle of democracy and political transparency in Africa. 

According to a dispatch from Addis Ababa, the speech extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the government, and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, for the warm hospitality and kind courtesies accorded the delegation, and for the dedication of Ethiopia to upholding the ideology and keeping the flame of Pan-Africanism alive. 

President Boakai’s statement continued as follows: “Let me assure you that Liberia will continue to play a meaningful role in the affairs of the activities of the AU. Working together with the African Union family, Liberia commits to protecting our planet, fostering peace, preventing conflicts, promoting trade and commerce, and boosting partnerships.” 

The speech continued with a focus on Liberia’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2063, which are reflected in the African Union Continental Education Strategy.

 The 37th Assembly of Heads of States focused on education and the impact on Africa’s transformation. The President’s remarks further indicated Liberia’s commitment to education as reflected in the Government’s development agenda called ARREST (AGRICULTURE, ROADS, RULE OF LAW, EDUCATION, SANITATION, and TOURISM).

The Foreign Minister used the occasion to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Union, on behalf of President Boakai, for the many contributions it has made to peace and stability, and to advancing democracy in Liberia. 

“We look forward to the continued engagements of the African Union with Liberia in the coming years as we strengthen the gains we have made together and set new goals that engender the socio-economic transformation of our dear continent and the dignity of our people”. 

Foreign Minister Nyanti, who gave a brief history of the Union, mentioned that as a founding member and host to the 1959 meeting in Sanniquellie Nimba County, between the Presidents of Liberia, Guinea and Ghana, which led to the founding of the OAU (now the AU) in 1963, Liberia has directly reaped the benefits of this Union.

Foreign Minister Nyanti said President Boakai had committed himself to the Liberian people to be their Champion who will lead the charge to elevate their country to nobler heights. 

In closing out the President’s speech, Liberia’s Chief Diplomat made a short statement. She said, “In my own name as Foreign Minister, standing on this platform on behalf of my President and in his name, allow me to inform you that the Liberia that was a contributing midwife to birthing many democracies in Africa, the Liberia that was a support and pioneer in establishing many organizations and institutions, this is that same Liberia that is back. Liberia is back and looks forward to playing its part for Africa’s transformation”. 

During the Summit, the Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Bankole Adeoye honored and recognized Liberia for upholding the tenets of democracy.

Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani assumed the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) on Saturday during the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Ghazouani succeeded President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, who led the continental bloc since February 2023. 

In his inaugural address, President Ghazouani emphasized Africa’s need for socio-economic independence, unity, and prosperity, acknowledging the significant responsibilities of his new role. 

Outgoing chairman Assoumani reflected on his achievements on focusing on Africa’s stability, development, and enhanced participation in global affairs, as well as the ongoing reform of the AU. 

The Summit, which took place on February 17 and 18 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia had as its theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive. Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.”

The two-day Summit reviewed reports on AU reforms, the current peace and security architecture of the African Unit, Second Ten Year implementation of the AU Agenda 2063 among others. The Summit of heads of states was preceded by a 2 days Executive Council meeting which is the meeting of Foreign Ministers of Africa.