NATIONAL NEWS
ACCRA, GHANA – Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has urged West African leaders to strengthen regional cooperation and collective security, warning that no nation can remain safe while its neighbors face insecurity and terror.
Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security on January 30 in Accra, Ghana, President Boakai stressed the urgency of coordinated action in the face of evolving regional threats.
“None of us can be peaceful and stable if any of us is insecure and terrorized. Liberia is not safe if an inch of Ghana is in terror,” he declared.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The Liberian leader described recent developments in Niger as a “rude awakening and a crude reminder” of the interconnected threats confronting the region, urging the conference to convey Liberia’s solidarity with the people of Niger.
President Boakai thanked Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama for convening the conference and hosting the Liberian delegation, reiterating Liberia’s support for the initiative and its outcomes.
Drawing on Liberia’s own experience with conflict, he underscored the devastating and lasting impact of violent wars and the need for preventive measures at national, regional, and international levels.
Highlighting a wide range of regional challenges, President Boakai pointed to terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, maritime insecurity, climate-driven conflicts, illicit mining, arms proliferation, human trafficking, cybercrime, drug abuse, governance deficits, and youth unemployment as major threats undermining peace and stability.
He further warned that global polarization, economic disruptions, and political uncertainty exacerbate insecurity and poverty, particularly in smaller and developing states, emphasizing the continued importance of multilateralism and regional solidarity.
As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to advocating for regional approaches to peacebuilding and security.
He welcomed the outcome document produced by Intelligence Chiefs and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and National Security and pledged Liberia’s readiness to work with regional partners to implement its recommendations.
President Boakai also highlighted socio-economic measures to address insecurity, including job creation for youth, skills training, education, healthcare cooperation, and cultural exchange.
