Sat. Sep 7th, 2024

Foreign Minister Sara Baysolow Nyanti: “Liberia the Cradle of Democracy and Political Transparency on the African Continent”

Foreign Minister H.E. Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti at the 37th AU Summit

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The speech of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai read by Liberia’s  Foreign  Minister  H.E.  Madam  Sara  Beysolow  Nyanti  has  declared  that  the  third  successive democratic  transition  from  one  president  to  another  has  highlighted  the  steady  growth  of  Liberia’s democracy and the fierce determination of the Liberian people to stay the course of democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma, Sr., at the 37th ordinary Summit of Heads of state and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Foreign Minister Nyanti said Liberia is well on course as a postwar success story in making tremendous progress towards exerting and repositioning itself as the cradle of democracy and political transparency in Africa.

According  to a  dispatch  from  Addis  Ababa,  the  speech  extended  heartfelt  thanks  and  appreciation  to  His Excellency  Prime  Minister  Dr.  Abiy  Ahmed,  the  Government,  and    people  of  the  Federal  Democratic Republic  of  Ethiopia,  for  the  warm  hospitality  and  kind  courtesies  accorded  the  delegation,  and  for  the dedication of Ethiopia in upholding the ideology and keeping the flame of Pan-Africanism alive. President Boakai’s statement continued as follows: “Let me assure you that Liberia will continue to play a meaningful role in the affairs of the activities of the AU.  Working  together with the  African  Union family, Liberia  commits  to  protecting  our  planet,  fostering  peace,  preventing  conflicts,  promoting  trade  and commerce,  and  boosting  partnerships”. 

The  speech  continued  with  a  focus  on  Liberia’s  commitment  to achieving  the  Sustainable  Development  Goals (SDG)  and  the Agenda  2063,  which  are  reflected  in  the  African Union Continental Education Strategy. The 37th Assembly of Heads of States focused on education and the impact on Africa’s transformation. The  President’s  remarks  further  indicated  Liberia’s  commitment  to  education  as  reflected  in  the Government’s  development  agenda  called  ARREST  (AGRICULTURE,  ROADS,  RULE  OF  LAW, EDUCATION, SANITATION, and TOURISM).   The Foreign Minister used the occasion to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Union, on behalf of  President  Boakai,  for  the  many  contributions  it  has  made  to  peace  and  stability,  and  to  advancing democracy in Liberia.

 “We look forward to the continued engagements of the African Union with Liberia in the coming years as we strengthen the gains we have made together and set new goals that engender the socio-economic transformation of our dear continent and the dignity of our people”.

Foreign Minister Nyanti, who gave a brief history of the Union, mentioned that as a founding member and host to the 1959 meeting  in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, between the Presidents of Liberia, Guinea and Ghana, which led to the founding of the OAU (now the AU) in 1963, Liberia has directly reaped the benefits of this Union. 

Foreign  Minister  Nyanti  said  President Boakai  had  committed  himself  to  the  Liberian  people  to  be  their Champion who will lead the charge to elevate their country to nobler heights. In closing out the President’s speech, the Liberian Chief Diplomat made a short statement.

She said, “In my own name as Foreign Minister, standing on this platform on behalf of my President and in his name, allow me to inform you that the Liberia that was a contributing midwife to birthing many democracies in Africa, the Liberia that was a support and pioneer in establishing many organizations and institutions, this is that same Liberia that is back. Liberia is back and looks forward to playing its part for Africa’s transformation”.

During the Summit, the commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye honored and recognized Liberia for upholding the tenets of democracy.

 Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani assumed the chairmanship of the African Union (AU)  on  Saturday  during  the  37th  Ordinary  Session  of  the  AU  Assembly  of  the  Heads  of  State  and Government  held  in  Addis  Ababa,  Ethiopia.  Ghazouani  succeeded  President  Azali  Assoumani  of  the Comoros, who led the continental bloc since February 2023.

In  his  inaugural  address,  President  Ghazouani  emphasized  Africa’s  need  for  socio-economic independence, unity, and prosperity; acknowledging the significant responsibilities of his new role. 

Outgoing  chairman  Assoumani  reflected  on  his  achievements  on    focusing  on  Africa’s  stability, development, and enhanced participation in global affairs, as well  as the ongoing reform of the AU.

 The Summit, which took place on February 17 and 18 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the theme:  “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive. Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”, brought togerther several Head of States of African government.

 The two-day Summit reviewed reports on AU reforms,  the current peace and security architecture of the African  Unit,  Second  Ten  Year  implementation  of  the  AU  Agenda  2063  among  others.  The  Summit  of heads  of  states  was  preceded  by  a  2  days  Executive  Council  meeting which  is  the  meeting  of  Foreign Ministers of Africa.

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