Monrovia, Liberia – The third democratic transfer from one president to another, according to Liberia’s president, Joseph Boakai, has demonstrated both the country’s democracy’s steady advancement and the people’s unwavering commitment to it.
At the 37th ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti spoke on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, stating that Liberia is well on its way to becoming a postwar success story and making significant strides toward asserting and repositioning itself as the birthplace of democracy and political transparency in Africa.
The speech, according to a release from Addis Ababa, expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people, government, and excellency of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for their gracious hospitality and courteous greetings, as well as for Ethiopia’s commitment to preserving the ideology and fanning the flame of Pan-Africanism.
President Boakai’s statement continued as follows: “Let me assure you that Liberia will continue to play a
meaningful role in the affairs and 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 importance of education for Africa’s transformation was a major topic of discussion at the 37th Assembly of Heads of State. The President’s words also demonstrated Liberia’s dedication to education, which is mirrored in the ARREST development program (AGRICULTURE, ROADS, RULE OF LAW, EDUCATION, SANITATION, and TOURISM) of the government.
Taking advantage of the occasion, the Foreign Minister thanked the Union on behalf of President Boakai for all of its contributions to peace, stability, and the advancement of 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”
As a founding member and the host of the 1959 meeting in Sanniquellie Nimba County between the Presidents of Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana that resulted in the founding of the OAU (now the AU) in 1963, Foreign Minister Nyanti noted during her brief overview of the Union’s history that Liberia had directly benefited from this Union.
President Boakai has vowed to be the Liberian people’s champion and leader, leading the country’s ascent 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
I want 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, is back. Liberia is back and looks forward to playing its part in Africa’s transformation.”
Liberia’s adherence to democratic principles was acknowledged and commended by H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, during the summit.
During the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, the president of Mauritania, took over as the organization’s chairman. Ghazouani replaced President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, who had served as the leader of the continent since February 2023.
In his inaugural speech, President Ghazouani acknowledged the weighty duties that came with his new position and underlined the need for socioeconomic independence, unity, and prosperity for Africa.
Recalling his accomplishments, outgoing chairman Assoumani focused on Africa’s stability, development, and increased engagement in international events in addition to the continuing reform of the AU.
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.”
The two-day summit covered reports on a number of topics, including the second ten-year implementation of AU Agenda 2063, AU reforms, and the African Unit’s existing peace and security architecture. Prior to the summit of heads of state, foreign ministers from Africa met for two days as part of the Executive Council.
