Monrovia, Liberia – The third consecutive democratic transfer of power, according to Liberia’s president Joseph Boakai, has demonstrated both the country’s democracy’s continuous advancement and the people’s unwavering commitment to it.
In her speech on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti stated that Liberia is well on its way to becoming a postwar success story by exerting and repositioning itself as the birthplace of democracy and political transparency in Africa during the 37th ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
A release from Addis Ababa states that the speech expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s government, people, and His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed for their gracious hospitality and courtesies, as well as for Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving Pan-Africanism’s ideals and igniting its flame.
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 Agenda 2063, which are reflected in the African Union Continental Education Strategy.
The 37th Assembly of Heads of State focused on education and its 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.”
A brief overview of the Union’s history was provided by Foreign Minister Nyanti, who also noted that Liberia has directly benefited from the Union as a founding member and host of the 1959 meeting in Sanniquellie Nimba County between the Presidents of Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana. This meeting resulted in the founding of the OAU (now the AU) in 1963.
President Boakai has promised the Liberian people that he will be their champion and spearhead the effort to take their nation to greater heights, according to Foreign Minister Nyanti.
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 supporter 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.”
H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, commended and acknowledged Liberia for preserving democratic values during the summit.
Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw the assumption of the African Union’s (AU) presidency by Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, the president of Mauritania. Ghazouani took over as the leader of the continental alliance from President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, who took office in February 2023.
President Ghazouani acknowledged the weighty obligations of his new position as he stressed the importance of socioeconomic independence, unity, and prosperity for Africa in his inauguration address.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, outgoing chairman Assoumani highlighted his emphasis on the AU’s continuous reform as well as Africa’s stability, development, and increased engagement in international events.
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.”
Reports on several subjects were discussed during the two-day summit, such as the current peace and security framework of the African Unit, AU reforms, and the second ten-year implementation of AU Agenda 2063. As part of the Executive Council, African foreign ministers convened for two days prior to the summit of heads of state.
