Pres. Boakai welcome African Returnees from America.
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia President, Joseph N. Boakai has promised to continue working with the African Union to address common issues and take advantage of opportunities during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU, held February 15–16, 2025. The session focused on modernization goals, self-reliance, and redressing historical injustices while reiterating the Global South’s demand for greater equality in global governance.
Addressing Heads of States at the 38th Ordinary Summit of the African Union’s (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Boakai declared that Liberia will continue to be an active and dedicated partner in implementing the Union’s vision for a thriving and unified Africa.
Under the topic “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” President Boakai explained that it is now imperative that African nations address systematic racism, enslavement, and colonialism.
In order to address the long-lasting effects and legacy of past injustices, the Liberian leader informed African leaders that his country fully believes in the necessity of reparations as a necessary first step.
He went on to say, “Liberia is uniquely and deeply tied to the struggle and legacy of slavery as the home of freed slaves, with 5% of our population are descendants of those free slaves to Liberia.”
He maintained that reparations are essential to healing and reconciliation, overcoming the horrific and traumatic experience, and building trust and togetherness within Africa and the African community worldwide.
As a nation, Liberia has been in the forefront of Africa’s liberation struggles, the president said, adding that Liberia is a natural supporter of reparations.
According to President Boakai, the country’s continued dedication to justice and reconciliation emphasizes how critical it is to rectify historical wrongs and protect the rights, opportunities, and dignity of all Africans and persons of African origin.
According to President Boakai, Liberia values the African Union’s backing of democratic processes, particularly during the 2023 elections when more than 60 observers were sent to Liberia to guarantee a fair electoral process. He explained that the Union’s involvement strengthened Liberia’s democratic growth and stability.
President Boakai said, “We are also appreciative and happy that the Union has supported Liberia’s bid for one of Africa’s non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for 2026-2027.”
In order to enable Liberia to serve the continent and be a voice for change, especially on issues of peace, security, women, youth, and development, the President praised African leaders for their continued wonderful assistance.
“We are eager to collaborate with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is competing for the other seat, on continent-wide projects like tackling the relationship between resources and conflict in Africa,” President Boakai said.
He stated that his administration has been working with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development since taking office on January 22, 2024, with an emphasis on roads, agriculture, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism.
According to the Liberian leader, the five-year development plan intends to empower the nation’s population, with a particular emphasis on women and youth, upgrade Liberia’s infrastructure, promote good governance, and boost the country’s economy.
