Earlier media reports had suggested that the presence of the ECOWAS Commission Delegation in the country was as a result of a recent letter addressed to it by former Liberian President George Weah, complaining the Government of Liberia for perpetrating unprovoked violence against partisans of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). But these reports appear to be far from the truth.
The President of ECOWAS Commission Alieu Touray has disclosed that his visit to Liberia has nothing to do with Weah’s communication as the trip was planned long before the submission of the complaint.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, August 27, 2024 after meeting with President Joseph N. Boakai at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, the ECOWAS Commission President said his visit was as a result of a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim Al-Bakri Nyei in Nairobi, Kenya, some time ago.
The ECOWAS Commission President said, “We have come to formally congratulate the people of Liberia for the peaceful transaction that has taken place in the country that remains a major achievement for the citizens as well as the region.”
He said the Commission’s visit was also intended to register the recommitment of ECOWAS’ support to Liberia. Touray assured the Liberian President that ECOWAS will stay engaged in the areas of economic development and democratic consolidation, as well as promoting Liberia’s peace and security.
For her part, Liberia’s Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana said during the meeting, President Boakai reassured the ECOWAS delegation of Liberia’s commitment to continue the peace that the country enjoys, while pledging his government’s dedication in making sure that all citizens be part of the new Liberia he (Boakai) is trying to build.
She said the President told the ECOWAS delegation that within two years, transparency, accountability and reconciliation which are in line with his “ARREST” agenda, will be accomplished.
Directly quoting President Boakai to the ECOWAS Commission President, Fofana said, “What I am doing is not to target anyone, political party or an individual. I am doing it to ensure that Liberia is better for all Liberians.”
The Presidential Press Secretary said during meeting, the ECOWAS delegation disclosed that the body has received a communication from the CDC, But President Boakai informed the delegation that his government had no intention of causing any disruptions at the CDC headquarters; rather, there was a raiding of substances around its headquarters that some individuals used to cause a total disorganization. Fofana said the Liberian leader is engaging the legislative and judicial branches of government to foster unity and reinforce Liberia’s democratic foundations.
