NEW YORK: Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has expressed serious concern about the escalating security challenges in the West African region, including terrorism and economic and political instability.
The Liberian leader told the 79 Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, that “These pose a significant threat to regional peace.”
“So, we urge full dialogue and cooperation among West African nations to address these issues effectively,” President Boakai indicated.
The Liberian leader further told the UNGA that the threat of conflicts “to our shared world underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace.”
Boakai: “Therefore, we support all the UN’s efforts to address peace and security issues worldwide.”
He disclosed that “Liberia firmly stands with the rest of West Africa in the resolve to maintain our fifty-year-old regional economic commission (ECOWAS) intact.”
President Boakai: “We oppose efforts to disintegrate our Union and will not accept the region being used for proxy conflicts. We look to the AU and the UN to support us in keeping the regional body united.”
“Similarly, at the global level, we call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East to provide civilians with essential humanitarian relief. We urge both the Israelis and Palestinians to engage in negotiations toward lasting peace, including a two-state solution,” the Liberian President added.
“Additionally, we see the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a threat to global peace and security. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution that also respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” he added.
Commenting on other issues affecting his country, President Boakai told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), that Liberia is facing a drug epidemic that is affecting “our youth and jeopardizing the country’s future.”
According to the Liberian leader, “this epidemic, driven by international criminal enterprises and their networks, poses a severe threat to the country.
President Boakai explained to the World that “in response, we have not only declared the drug epidemic a health emergency and a national security threat.”
The Liberian leaded indicated that his government has “also taken steps to address this issue by establishing a dedicated national body to tackle drug abuse in Liberia.”
“I urge the international community to join Liberia in addressing the escalating drug crisis,” Boakai added.
Touching on other issues, the Liberian President pointed out that the world is facing numerous crises, including global threats such as diseases, security, and climate change, as well as food and resource shortages.
“Our vulnerabilities are evident, and we need to use our collective knowledge to find solutions that will preserve the planet for future generations,” he emphasized.
“Climate change is undeniably real, and its threat to our environment and way of life is becoming increasingly apparent. We must take urgent action to address this threat, including cooperative efforts to implement Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement,” the President further said.
According to him, “Liberia, as the most forested country in West Africa with over half of its land covered by forests, plays a vital role in biodiversity and environmental sustainability. As a result, our country is taking important steps to lead the conversation on climate action.”
“My Government has called on our Legislature and other stakeholders to begin looking at the Paris Agreement, particularly under Article 6 to help advance actions towards establishing Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contribution to combat climate change. While we take these actions, we are mindful of the need to build capacity and invest in critical areas of our economy such as using alternative financing for investment in the blue and green economy, and technological transfer to support these climate actions,” he stressed.
“The goals we set for ourselves and the future are better served on the foundation of peace and security. Having enjoyed peace for over two decades following a long-running conflict, we aim to promote peace and stability at home, in the region, and globally,” he further told the world.
