Accra, Ghana – Liberia joined West African governments in addressing growing security challenges throughout the sub-region during the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security, which took place in Accra on January 29 and 30, 2026. Heads of state, high-ranking officials, and regional partners came together for the summit, which was led by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, to reinforce joint efforts against terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, and other security issues.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai headed Liberia’s delegation and emphasised his nation’s dedication to regional security cooperation and teamwork. Liberia, a newly elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027, used the platform to propose a concerted response to common challenges that transcend national borders.
Drawing on Liberia’s own history of violence and peacebuilding, President Boakai emphasised the need for coordinated regional responses in his summit speech. He called the current security scenario in West Africa as a “rude awakening,” pointing to developments in neighbouring states as stark indicators of the risks posed by instability.
President Boakai’s statements highlighted that no nation can sustain its own peace and stability in isolation. He stressed that rising political upheaval, terrorism, transnational crime, and insecurity necessitate greater cooperation and coordination among West African nations. The Liberian leader emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common concerns when he said, “We are here because there is only one option: our collective survival.”
Boakai urged nations to incorporate socioeconomic factors into security frameworks while discussing new security issues like cybercrime, young unemployment, illicit financial flows, and maritime insecurity. His statements mirrored Liberia’s broader aim of integrating peace and prosperity as part of regional efforts.
Liberia reiterated its support for the summit’s conclusion agreement, which sets a framework for improved intelligence sharing and regional cooperation. President Boakai commended the collaborative attitude of attendees and pledged Liberia’s readiness to engage with partners to adopt real steps to improve collective security.
As Liberia takes up its place on the UN Security Council and demonstrates its diplomatic leadership on issues of peace and security outside of its borders, its participation in the Accra summit is consistent with its foreign policy goals.
Liberia’s active participation shows its dedication to becoming a powerful advocate for unity and aggressive regional cooperation as West African states transition from talk to action. Through continued cooperation with neighboring countries, regional institutions, and international players, Liberia aspires to contribute to long-term solutions that address the root causes of insecurity and promote lasting peace throughout the subregion.
After more than 60 years since its last term, Liberia made history by securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, which began on January 1, 2026. This is one aspect of Liberia’s larger foreign policy goal to increase its international involvement and support world peace and security.
As one of the 15 countries tasked with upholding international peace and security, Liberia has a direct say in important choices that impact regional stability, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and all concerns that are extremely important to West Africa and the region.
Thanks to its membership at the UNSC, Liberia can support a more comprehensive regional approach, particularly for the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in addressing cross-border issues like transnational crime, terrorism, and violent extremism.
