President Boakai Calls for Stronger Regional Integration, Peace, and Economic Cooperation at ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone
Addressing the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa and the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, President Boakai said the region stands at a defining moment that demands unity, cooperation, and decisive action in addressing emerging security, governance, and economic challenges.
The Liberian Leader congratulated President Julius Maada Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone for successfully hosting the twin summits and expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Liberian delegation. He also commended President Bio for his leadership as outgoing Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, describing the Bio tenure as one marked by steadfast commitment to regional dialogue, peace, and cooperation.
President Boakai further paid tribute to the outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and the outgoing Vice President of the Commission for their dedicated service during one of the most challenging periods in the Community’s history. He praised Dr. Touray’s efforts in maintaining dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS, while expressing Liberia’s hope that the three countries would one day return to the regional bloc.
The President congratulated the Republic of Senegal on assuming the Presidency of the ECOWAS Commission and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on taking up the Vice Presidency, assuring them of Liberia’s full cooperation in advancing the objectives of the regional body.
Speaking on the future of regional integration, President Boakai said ECOWAS must move beyond declarations and ensure that integration delivers practical improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. He noted that Liberia fully supports the Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, emphasizing that the Community’s success should be measured by increased peace, expanded commerce, job creation, improved infrastructure, and stronger economic resilience.
President Boakai welcomed the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement establishing the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, describing it as a transformational initiative that demonstrates the power of regional cooperation and collective investment in Africa’s future.
He also called on Member States to remove barriers that continue to hinder regional commerce by eliminating unnecessary levies, reducing non-tariff barriers, simplifying border procedures, and promoting the free movement of goods, services, and people across the sub-region.
Reflecting on Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advancing the priorities of ECOWAS and Africa on the global stage. He pledged Liberia’s continued support for peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, constitutional governance, conflict resolution, and sustainable development as essential pillars for regional stability.
The President welcomed the progress being made in resolving the border situation between Liberia and Guinea, expressing optimism that ongoing dialogue, with the support of the ECOWAS Commission, would soon produce a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution.
President Boakai also thanked ECOWAS Member States for the confidence reposed in Liberia through the appointment of qualified Liberians to key institutions within the Community. He said Liberia accepts the responsibility with humility and remains committed to serving the region with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.
On continental solidarity, President Boakai joined other African leaders in condemning recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, stressing the need for unity and mutual respect among African peoples.
Concluding his address, President Boakai urged West African leaders to remain faithful to the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS by strengthening solidarity, promoting shared prosperity, and safeguarding collective security.
“The future of West Africa will not be determined by the challenges we face, but by the courage with which we respond to them,” President Boakai said, urging, “Let us seize this moment to strengthen our community, deepen our unity, and build an ECOWAS that is more resilient, more prosperous, and more responsive to the aspirations of our people.”
