President Joseph N. Boakai has pledged Liberia’s continuous collaboration with the African Union to address shared challenges and opportunities.
Addressing Heads of States Saturday, February, 15, 2025 at the 38th Ordinary Summit of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Boakai said Liberia will remain an active and committed partner in advancing the Union’s agenda for a prosperous and united Africa.
Speaking under the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” President Boakai said the call is now for African countries to finally reckon with slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism.
Boakai told African leaders that Liberia firmly believes in the importance of reparations as a critical first step toward addressing the lasting legacy and impacts of historical injustices. “As the home of freed slaves, with 5% of our population being descendants of those liberated, Liberia is uniquely and deeply tied to the struggle and legacy of slavery,” he added.
He said reparations are a crucial part of overcoming the brutal and traumatic experience for healing and reconciliation, fostering unity and trust within Africa and the global African community. The president said Liberia has played a leading role in Africa’s liberation movements and stands as a natural advocate for reparations.
Boakai said his country’s ongoing commitment to justice and healing underscores the importance of addressing past wrongs and ensuring the dignity, rights, and opportunities of all Africans and people of African descent, adding that Liberia appreciates the African Union’s support for the democratic processes, especially during the 2023 elections, where over 60 observers were deployed to ensure a transparent process.
He said the Union’s engagement reinforced Liberia’s stability and democratic development. “We are also grateful and pleased for the Union’s endorsement of Liberia’s candidacy for one of Africa’s non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council for 2026-2027,” Boakai said, and informed fellow African leaders that their continuous kind support will allow Liberia serve the continent and be a voice of change particularly on issues of peace, security, women, youth and development.
Boakai: “We look forward to working with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is vying for the other seat, in undertaking continent-wide initiatives such as addressing the nexus between resources and conflict in Africa.”
By Prince Saah
