By James T. Brooks
Monrovia, June 4 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has officially launched Liberia’s 10-Year National Security Strategy (2026–2036), describing it as a transformative shift toward a more inclusive, anticipatory, and citizen-focused approach to national security. Speaking at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, President Boakai stated that the new framework redefines security beyond traditional military and law enforcement structures, emphasizing that true national security is measured by how well the state fulfills its democratic promise to the population. He noted that lasting national stability must be fundamentally rooted in protecting people, strengthening human dignity, and expanding opportunities for economic prosperity.
The comprehensive strategy introduces a major policy transition from fragmented, sector-based responses to an integrated, “whole-of-society” security architecture. According to the Liberian Chief Executive, this modernized approach is designed to strengthen coordination between formal security institutions, civil society organizations, and key public service sectors, including health, education, justice, and local governance. President Boakai described the initiative as a foundational pillar for national development, stressing that contemporary security challenges require proactive, agile, and well-coordinated responses.
The President highlighted that evolving threats—such as transnational organized crime, cyber risks, economic vulnerabilities, sabotage, and emerging public health concerns—demand a forward-looking national framework. He stated that the National Security Strategy serves as a shared roadmap for safeguarding Liberia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national stability, and core democratic values. He further emphasized that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces or law enforcement agencies, but a collective duty involving all citizens and public institutions. Consequently, the strategy places a heavy focus on prevention, civic participation, and collaboration across all levels of society.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia and Chair of the National Security Council, President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the professionalism, accountability, and operational capacity of all state security institutions. He pledged continued investment in national intelligence coordination, robust border security management, and community-based policing initiatives specifically aimed at improving trust between citizens and security agencies.
The Liberian leader called on all stakeholders, including government line ministries, civil society organizations, and international development partners, to actively participate in the implementation phase of the strategy. He stressed that maintaining national security is a shared responsibility requiring sustained, active engagement at every level of society.
President Boakai also underscored the vital importance of regional and international cooperation, noting that Liberia will deepen its collaboration with ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and other global partners to address cross-border and transnational security threats. He concluded by commending all contributors who helped develop the strategy, including security agencies, government institutions, civil society actors, and international partners. He urged continuous adaptation of the framework to evolving global and national circumstances, reaffirming the government’s commitment to periodic reviews and strategic improvements.
The launch of the National Security Strategy (2026–2036) marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s governance and security reform agenda, setting the tone for a decade-long effort to build a safer, more resilient, and democratically grounded nation.
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