Tangier, Morocco –In order to battle ominous threats and challenges, President George Manneh Weah has emphasized the difficulties the international system is facing and called for all-encompassing, unwavering global action. In addition to the natural disasters brought on by climate change, conflicts and rumors of war, and the possibility of nuclear war, President Weah included HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Zika, COVID-19, Monkey Pox, and other diseases as global threats endangering human existence and peace.
The Liberian leader told world leaders attending the 14th Edition of MEDays International Forum in Tangier, Morocco, on November 2, 2022, that it is crucial for countries to cooperate in order to achieve global cooperation, trust, and peaceful coexistence, which is the focus and premise of the ongoing Forum. Various issues are causing political instability and uncertainty around the world, the President told the group of political and economic leaders, adding that it seems hopeless and fruitless to seek out long-term answers.
Mr. Weah expressed that working together is the surest platform on which the world can overcome the difficulties it faces, “But the advantage we have as humans is our ability to reason and our fortitude to face challenges.”
President Weah underlined the truthfulness of unfortunate global situations afflicting the people of the world, something he said is extremely aligned with the theme of the Forum, which is “From Crises to Crises: Towards A New Global Order”.
The Liberian leader explained to the group of world leaders and members of civil society that current crises have caused people to flee their home countries in search of safer havens and greener pastures abroad, subjecting them to hardship and suffering, most notably inhumane treatment both during their travels and once they arrived at the places they had hoped to find welcome and refuge.
“Many have lost their lives along the way, and have perished without graves in the harsh conditions of the Mediterranean Sea,” he said. “No country is an island. We live in an interdependent world driven by enormous gains in science and technology. We should understand each other; and act in concert to overcome our challenges, in order to make the world a more peaceful and happier place. We have an obligation and duty to save our planet from disasters.”
According to President Weah, the shared experience of surviving in a world of crises should act as a catalyst for joining forces, collaborating, and confronting the enormous issues facing humanity. President Weah underlined that it is important for all countries to work together in difficult times to overcome the obstacles they confront.
“Therefore, it is my appeal to all of us that we should pool our expertise, resources, and resources to resolve these issues, in order to restore order, peace, and stability to our One World.”
The Liberian President gave priority to the weight that Africa carries in contemporary global crises, despite the fact that the entire globe is facing difficulties. He stated during the Forum that challenges still face Africans.
“Currently, the Sahel, which contains the largest portion of West Africa, has become a playground of international terrorists, with a line of terrorist operations that runs from the western borders of Mali all the way down to Cameroun,” President Weah noted. “In addition to the terroristic activities, there are many armed conflicts that are beginning to be seen between various African countries.”
According to the Executive Mansion, the Liberian Leader mentioned that the conflicts in Somalia, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique, as well as some regions of the Central African Republic, as instances of circumstances in Africa. The President questioned why Africans were fighting when they were brothers and sisters who ought to be looking out for one another.
“we are beginning to experience waves of military coups d’état and other forms of unconventional and unconstitutional means of assuming state power; which is totally against the spirit, core values and principles of democratic culture.”
He cited the worsening of desertification and coastal degradation, which are both adversely affecting Africa as a result of climate change, as well as the recent unprecedented flooding in places like Nigeria, Chad, and Sudan, among others, as further proof that “we are beginning to lose the battle against climate change.” The President also addressed the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on economies, which he said are also cause for concern. He emphasized that the pandemic caused a slowdown in the rate of growth for many African economies, to the point that potential investors folded up their businesses and left, and that companies shut down. He continued by saying that the circumstances has caused unemployment to rise at an unheard-of rate.
In order to address these big challenges around the world, President Weah stated at the Forum that Liberia is interested in a more persistent and concerted partnership amongst nation-states. Commenting on the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, he urged the international community to use all available diplomatic channels to put an early stop to the regrettable conflict. He claimed that the effects of the war’s worldwide disruptions, which include rising inflation, supply-chain delays, and food insecurity to name a few, have a significant impact on our economy and people. According to the President, if the parties give peace in Ukraine a fair shot, it can succeed. He emphasized the misery brought on by the struggle for the populace.
“President Weah went on to say: “The conflict in Ukraine should not go on, while the rest of the world sits and watches. I feel the agony of the women and children, the young and the old, and all the defenseless citizens who are ongoing casualties of the war. Let’s try to make peace.”
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
