By Linda Gbartie
MONROVIA: A high-powered delegation of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), that arrived in Liberia Monday, August 26, 2024, says ECOWAS remains fully engaged in the sustenance of peace, democracy and security in Liberia.
The assurance of ECOWAS was given by the President of the Commission of ECOWAS, Omar Alieu Turay, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill in Monrovia, following the ECOWAS Delegation’s meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and other senior officials of the Government of Liberia.
Speaking to the media following ECOWAS Delegation meeting with President Boakai, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Turay disclosed that the visit of the high-powered delegation of the regional economic group, headed by him was to formally congratulate President Boakai and the people of Liberia on the important and peaceful transition of state power that took place in the country in January, 2024.
Mr. Turay indicated such peaceful and smooth political transition remains a major achievement for the people of Liberia and the West African sub-region.
The ECOWAS Commission President averred that the second reason for the delegation’s trip to Liberia is to recommit or reaffirm ECOWAS unqualified support to Liberia.
He stated that ECOWAS remains committed to working very closely with Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and the people of Liberia in their Nation-building process.
Ambassador Turay told the media that during his meeting with President Boakai and other top Liberian government officials, the ECOWAS Delegation assured Liberian President of ECOWAS availability and commitment to engage with all stakeholders in the rebuilding of Liberia.
The ECOWAS President, who refuted widespread assertions in the public space that his visit to Liberia was in response to Liberia’s ex-President, George Manneh Weah’s formal complaint submitted to the ECOWAS Commission, accusing the Boakai-led government of engaging in many anti-peace and anti-reconciliation activities among others.
Recently, former President Weah complained to the regional economic group, ECOWAS, that the Unity Party led Government of Liberia, headed by President Boakai, has embarked on political witch-hunt against members and officials of CDC, ‘weaponization’ of the rule of law, unbridled dismissals of public service employees thought to be members of the opposition CDC, the violent entry into the headquarters of the former ruling Congress for Democratic Change CDC) in Congo Town last Thursday by heavily armed state security forces, among others and prosecution of several CDC officials who are ex-state officials on corruption charges.
However4, Ambassador Turay clarified that sometimes ago, he met the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia in Nairobi, Kenya, and he did indicate to him (Deputy Foreign Ministers of Liberia) that he (Turay) had already planned to visit Liberia.
“So, if my visit coincides with any communication, it is mere coincidence, this has been a long-planned visit, and I am happy that the President has been gracious to grant me this audience,” the ECOWAS Commission boss added.
For her part, Presidential Press Secretary, Kula Fofana mentioned that it was a very fruitful meeting and President Boakai reassured the ECOWAS Delegation of Liberia’s commitment to preserving the country’s peace and security.
Specifically, she stated that President Boakai, on behalf of the Liberian Nation, and the Government, welcomed the high-powered ECOWAS Delegation to Liberia aimed at promoting peace-building consultation and national unity.
Madam Fofana said President Boakai also disclosed that the Liberian leader told the ECOWAS Delegation that his government remains committed to ensuring that Liberia is peaceful and that every citizen, irrespective of political orientation, where they are, who they are, or where they come from, are part of Liberia that he is trying to build.
“He also assured the Delegation that within two years, all of what he is doing on the issue of transparency, accountability, reconciliation, particularly in line with the ARREST Agenda will be achieved or substantial work will be done, and his action and whatever he is doing is not targeted at any one person, political party or political individual but ensuring that Liberia is better for all Liberians,” Fofana said.
She continued: The President told the Delegation that he has already started the reconciliation process when he recently held a meeting with different segments of the population especially the young people and several meetings with the Legislature, as well as members of the Judiciary, women groups, persons with disabilities and many other groups.
Madam Fofana further quoted President Boakai as saying that he intends to continue his engagement with all stakeholders. She said, the President indicated that on his way from the US, he met with Alexander Benedict Cummings, Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), and both of them flown the same flight (aircraft) to come to Liberia.
While on the flight, President Boakai said, both of them (He and Cummings) exchanged pleasantries. Boakai said he suggested to Mr. Cummings about the need for them to have a meeting. So, President Boakai asserted that he has been doing this alone, the Presidential Secretary added.
President Boakai assured everyone including the ECOWAS Delegation that he will continue on the path of national reconciliation, Madam Fofana said.
Madam Fofana concluded that the ECOWAS President did mention that they were in receipt of a communication from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), headed by former President George Weah.
However, Madam Fofana said President Boakai informed the Delegation about the situation that happened. What was the issue is that the premises around the vicinity of the Political Party (CDC), there was a raid, search and seizure operation that was ongoing, and because of the proximity to the facility, that is why things went that way.
She further quoted President Boakai as telling the ECOWAS delegation that there was no time the government or member of the government had the intent to go and create a scene at the CDC Headquarters.
“The President’s security team has had a security meeting to assess the situation on what transpired, so that corrective measures can be put in place,” she noted.
