Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has expressed concern over the proposed departure of three member nations from the ECOWAS Community, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He referred to the move as “pressing challenges” for the region and demanded immediate attention and concerted efforts to address the issue.
President Boakai stated that the continuous political and security crises in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as well as the growing insecurity in the Sahel, have all contributed to a general climate of uncertainty during his remarks on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria.
He maintained that the scheduled January 2025 exit of these nations from ECOWAS is a terrifying time for the region that demands the greatest worry, attention, and action.
The Liberian leader explained that the issue makes the summit even more relevant when combined with more general concerns about regional peace and security, the escalating humanitarian crisis, and the governance difficulties some of the member nations are facing.
“We agreed in our updated treaty to work together to address political, economic, and sociocultural issues and to use our differences to increase our region’s production now and in the future. We cannot fail since the future that was envisioned back then is today.”
Amb. Boakai acknowledged the substantial advantages the nation has received from the ECOWAS community and informed the head of states that Liberia is becoming a symbol of peace and stability in Africa. The President gave the ECOWAS Community the assurance that Liberia is still dedicated to taking the lead in advancing regional security and prosperity.
“As we engage in these high-level discussions, I want to emphasize my government determination to ensure that Liberia’s voice and leadership contribute meaningfully, especially considering the planned departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.”
According to President Boakai, Liberia is still hopeful that communication, peacemaking, cooperation, and a will to bring people together would inform their choices. He also said that no amount of force, no matter how powerful, can destroy a unified populace. “Our community is stronger when we work together.”
According to the Liberian leader, the nation has continuously upheld these ideals in resolving present conflicts as well as in promoting harmony and collaboration within the region.
“Our demand that sanctions be lifted on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger is evidence of our dedication to peace, stability, and conflict resolution through dialogue. The goal of this strategy is to persuade these countries to reclaim their proper position within the Community.”
In the words of President Boakai, Liberia’s efforts to assist the mediation procedures in these nations under ECOWAS’s jurisdiction are in line with the objective of promoting long-term peace for the benefit of all West Africans, not only Liberia. He stated that it is impossible to ignore the growing insecurity in the Sahel Region, especially as a result of the rise in terrorist attacks and the disrupting consequences of political transitions.
According to Boakai, nations must work together to address these security issues and provide long-term solutions that guarantee regional peace and stability. Long-term security cannot be ensured by defending national borders, he said, adding that African leaders must embrace measures that improve collective security by exchanging intelligence, combining early warning systems, and pledging to support one another.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
