ABUJA: The political situation in Liberia remains stable under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Country-Report presented to the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) asserted.
The Report, read by the leader of Liberia’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., also indicated that “The Liberian Political Situation remains stable under the government of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., who was elected through a free, fair and transparent democratic process in November of 2023.”
According to the report, Liberia continues to make progress in the areas of security, economy, human rights, politics, etc.
The report of peace and security was reinforced by Representative Samuel Enders, in his response to a concern about peace and security in Liberia from another Parliamentarian, revealing that he, as a lawmaker, does not move around with securities in the country at any time of the day.
The Liberia-ECOWAS Parliamentary Delegation also highlighted the establishment of an Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force, commencement of processes for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, and the appointment of a female, Brigadier General Geraldine George (retired) as Defense Minister.
Notwithstanding, the Liberian Delegation stresses concerns about regional security threats, drugs trafficking, and the need for national reconciliation.
The report noted concerns from the Liberian opposition community about witch-hunt, alleged barring of former President George Weah from using the presidential lounge at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County, among others.
Liberia is owing ECOWAS over US$18 million for levies collected.
The report noted that the current government in Liberia is committed to clearing the debt in two to three years, and has already started making efforts to achieving it.
Senator Snowe blamed the 2023 presidential and legislative election spending as the major factor that may have affected Liberia’s ability in remitting the levies collected.
According to the report, some ECOWAS Parliamentarians expressed concern over the political situation in Liberia, especially with palpable tensions brewing between the former and current Presidents, highlighting the need for the regional body to step in now.
They also critiqued Liberia and all other countries that are owing ECOWAS, urging them to make right their contributions.
In closing, Senator Snowe affirmed the freedoms existing in Liberia but stressed that the former and current Presidents have never met or spoken on the phone in the post-inauguration era, something that needs attention.
The presiding officer and First Deputy Speaker of the plenary, Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau of Nigeria praised Liberia’s democratic advancements, the transparent and balanced nature of the report, while challenging the government to accord former President Weah the respect he deserves.
