—Reaffirms Support for Liberia in Meeting with President Boakai, Clarifies Communication from CDC’s Political Leader
IPNEWS: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, led by its President, Mr. Alieu Turay, has called for reconciliation and inclusion, as vital components for nation-building and effective governance.
Ambassador Turay extolled Liberia for its peaceful transition of power, which, according to him, serves as a shining example that democracy is thriving in the region. He assured Liberia of ECOWAS’ continued support in nation-building, enhancing peace, security, and governance.
The ECOWAS envoy reaffirmed the regional block’s commitment to Liberia during a formal visit to congratulate President Joseph Boakai and the Liberian people on a peaceful democratic transition following the 2023 elections.
At a meeting held with President Boakai on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Mr. Turay expressed ECOWAS’s continued support for Liberia, focusing on socio-economic development, democratic consolidation, peace, and stability.
“We have come to assure President Boakai of our availability and commitment to assist Liberia in key areas, including socio-economic development and security” Mr. Turay told E-mansion reporters.
He further clarified that the visit had been planned months in advance during discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, with Liberia’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister.
Mr. Turay emphasized that any perceived link between the timing of the visit and recent political communication was purely coincidental.
“This visit was organized long before any recent developments. It was part of a well-planned invitation, and I am happy the President has graciously given me this opportunity,” he told reporters at the Executive Mansion.
Speaking to reporters after the ECOWAS meeting with President Joseph Boakai, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana reiterated President Boakai’s assurance to the ECOWAS delegation of maintaining peace in Liberia.
The Liberian leader told the ECOWAS Delegation that he is focused on stabilizing the country and improving its governance systems for the benefit of all Liberians, regardless of political affiliations.
In retrospect of former President Goerge Weah’s complaint to the regional block over the besieged of his Party’s headquarter by riot police, ECOWAS President Turay acknowledged receiving communication from former President George Weah on the riot.
President Boakai for his part stated that his government had no intention of causing any disruptions at the CDC headquarters, rather the LDEA and police were a raiding of substances around the CDC headquarters when some individuals insisted, causing a total disorganization.
President Boakai stated that since the incident, he has been engaging with members of the Legislature and judiciary branches of government, as well as key political figures, including opposition leader Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), to foster unity and reinforce Liberia’s democratic foundations.
Prior to the meeting with President Boakai, ECOWAS Executive President held talks with Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, expressing his gratitude for the visit.
Dr. Nyei lauded the ECOWAS President for his leadership and reforms at the regional level.
He also used the occasion to acknowledge ECOWAS’ technical and financial support, which was instrumental in the democratic milestone achieved by Liberia during the 2023 elections.
Dr. Nyei recalled ECOWAS’ support during the 1990s and 2003 civil wars and assured the ECOWAS President of His Excellency President Joseph Boakai, Sr.’s commitment to further consolidating Liberia’s democracy while taking bold steps to address reconciliation.
Dr. Nyei also highlighted that one of the main challenges to transitional recovery and post-conflict reconciliation has been the lack of accountability for war crimes and economic crimes, which have haunted Liberia for some time. He noted that President Boakai has begun addressing this issue by signing the bill establishing a war crimes court. He called on ECOWAS for technical and financial support for transitional justice in Liberia.
He concluded by thanking ECOWAS for endorsing Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
In a related development, Government of Liberia has condemned former President George Weah’s letter of complaint to ECOWAS, Minister Jerolinmek Piah says the letter has no moral value after disrespecting ECOWAS’ decision
Recently, former president George Weah wrote to the Economic Community of West African States alleging that the UP government through the Liberia National Police raided the CDC’s headquarters and inflicted bodily injuries on some partisans of the party.
But addressing reporters at the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism regular press briefing Tuesday, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah maintained that the actions by the Liberian National Police were in the best interest of the country.
According to him, former president Weah’s letter of complaint to ECOWAS has no moral value, adding that the former Liberian leader is on record of disrespecting ECOWAS’ decision during his time as president of Liberia
