By James T. Brooks
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has returned to Liberia following his participation in the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
During the summit, President Boakai joined fellow West African leaders in high-level discussions focused on regional peace and security, economic integration, infrastructure development, institutional reforms, and the broader future of regional cooperation. As part of the official opening proceedings, the Liberian leader participated in the ceremonial planting of the Tree of Regional Integration and signed the ECOWAS Unity Wall, symbolizing the Community’s collective commitment to a peaceful, united, and prosperous West Africa.
On behalf of the Republic of Liberia, President Boakai signed three major regional instruments adopted during the summit. These included the ECOWAS Gender Parity Agreement, which sets regional targets to increase women’s representation in leadership and decision-making; the Declaration of Commitment to the Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, establishing a framework for economic transformation and sustainable development; and the Inter-Governmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, a strategic regional energy initiative designed to expand connectivity, attract investment, and support industrial growth across member states.
At the close of the gathering, President Boakai commended His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, for his steadfast leadership as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority and for hosting the regional summit. He also extended congratulations to His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, on assuming the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority, expressing full confidence in his leadership as the regional body works to advance democratic governance, economic cooperation, and lasting stability.
Reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to regional partnership, President Boakai stated that the country will continue working alongside its ECOWAS neighbors to address shared challenges and expand opportunities for citizens across the region. He emphasized that the outcomes of the summit reflect a firm regional determination to strengthen cooperation through concrete actions in inclusive governance, strategic infrastructure, and economic growth.
President Boakai, who was accompanied by senior government officials during the summit, has since resumed his official duties in Monrovia.