New York, Liberia – In order to transform Liberia into a lower-middle-income nation by 2030, President Joseph N. Boakai Sr. has emphasized his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which places a high priority on roads, agriculture, the rule of law, education, sanitation, and technology at the UNGA. He noted his government’s fight against corruption and continuous initiatives to improve openness and accountability.
Boakai’s renewed call for foreign assistance to create a War and Economic Crimes Court, a long-standing demand by victims’ organizations and civil society, was his most notable domestic message, though. He characterized justice as crucial to Liberia’s recovery from its violent civil wars and declared, “These efforts are essential steps toward achieving lasting peace and genuine national healing.”
Additionally, Boakai informed the UN General Assembly that his government has taken meaningful and deliberate steps toward national reconciliation with purpose. He said, these include paying tribute to the victims’ memories, backing memorialization efforts, and maintaining the commitment to justice and the rule of law.
President Boakai received plaudits in July from prominent justice campaigners for publicly expressing regret to the victims of the nation’s civil wars on behalf of the Liberian government, something none of his predecessors had done. As one of the 207 recommendations from the 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, Boakai was also praised by advocates for his commitment to erect a war memorial for the war victims and the peacekeepers who lost their lives in them.
These initiatives are difficult and demanding, but they are necessary for enduring peace and true national reconciliation, the Liberian leader told the General Assembly.
In order to enhance the Liberian people’s desire for national healing and reconciliation through justice, he said, “I would want to take this occasion to reiterate my government’s call for international cooperation and assistance in the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court.”
