President Joseph Boakai has warned against what he considered as wars in West Africa, arguing that the regional body, ECOWAS, will not sit supinely and allow the region consumed by proxy conflicts.
In his address at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, the President stressed the need to protect the region from becoming a battleground for external rivalries and emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“Liberia firmly stands with the rest of West Africa in our resolve to maintain our 50-year-old Regional Economic Commission, ECOWAS, intact. We oppose efforts to disintegrate our Union and will not accept the region being used for proxy conflicts,” President Boakai declared.
The Liberian leader warned that escalating political and security challenges, including terrorism and economic instability, were creating fertile ground for foreign powers to exploit local tensions and fuel conflicts in the region.
Analysts say the Liberian President’s concerns reflect growing fears that West Africa, with its strategic importance and natural resources, is increasingly vulnerable to outside interference. The region has been grappling with instability, including military coups, insurgencies, and terrorist activities, which have left countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in turmoil.
“The threat of conflict to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace,” President Boakai added.
He underscored the need for concerted regional efforts and called on the international community to support West Africa’s fight against terrorism and other destabilizing forces. “We look to the EU and the UN to support us in keeping the regional body united,” he added.
The Liberian President reiterated Liberia’s commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of ECOWAS. President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s own internal strides toward fostering democracy, peace, and justice.
He pointed to the country’s recent peaceful transition of power earlier in the year, describing it as a testament to Liberia’s commitment to democratic governance after enduring 14 years of civil conflict. “In January this year, Liberia achieved a historic milestone by peacefully transitioning from one democratic government to another,” Boakai said, calling it a significant achievement in the nation’s history.
President Boakai also addressed other pressing global security concerns, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. “We urge both Israel and the Palestinians to engage in negotiations towards lasting peace, including a two-state solution,” he noted.
He at the same time, urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a threat to global peace and security, and there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” Boakai added.
On the home front, President Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s own security challenges, particularly the growing drug crisis affecting the country’s youth. “Liberia is facing a drug crisis that is affecting our youth and jeopardizing the country’s future,” he stated.
The Liberian leader pointed to international criminal networks as the drivers of the crisis. The government, he said, has declared the drug epidemic a national security threat and established a dedicated national body to combat the issue.
President Boakai at the same time, reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to global sustainability, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the country strives to reduce poverty and improve essential services by 2030.
Among other things, the Liberian Chief Executive highlighted Liberia’s role as a leader in climate action, being the most forested country in West Africa, and emphasized the importance of regional and global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
“Our country is taking an important step to lead the conversation on climate action,” Boakai said, urging lawmakers to advance Liberia’s nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement.
President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s candidacy for the African non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2026, calling for the support of member states. “Liberia is prepared to contribute to regional and global efforts to address security challenges,” he stated, stressing the importance of international collaboration in promoting peace and stability in West Africa and beyond.
