President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has launched Liberia’s National Security Strategy for 2026-2036, outlining a new direction for the country’s security sector that places greater emphasis on citizens’ welfare, good governance, and cooperation among state institutions and communities.
The strategy was launched Thursday at the Executive Mansion and is expected to guide Liberia’s security policies over the next decade.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai said security goes beyond the work of the military and law enforcement agencies and must include efforts to improve people’s lives and protect their rights.
“True security is measured not merely by the absence of conflict, but by how well we fulfill our democratic promise to protect our people, uphold justice, and create opportunities for all,” President Boakai said.
The President described the strategy as an important roadmap for protecting Liberia’s sovereignty, maintaining stability, and strengthening democratic institutions.
He noted that Liberia faces a range of challenges, including organized crime, cyber threats, economic pressures, and public health emergencies, requiring a coordinated national response.
“In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, our response must be proactive, coordinated, and forward-looking,” he said.
According to President Boakai, the strategy recognizes that security is not the responsibility of security agencies alone but requires the involvement of government institutions, communities, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens.
“National security is not the sole responsibility of the traditional security sector; rather, it is a shared responsibility that encompasses good governance, justice, economic security, and social cohesion,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security institutions through improved intelligence gathering, stronger border security, and community policing programs aimed at building trust between citizens and security agencies.
“We will continue to invest in intelligence coordination, border security, and community-based policing approaches that foster trust between citizens and security agencies,” Boakai said.
He also called on Liberians from all walks of life to support the implementation of the strategy, stressing that every citizen has a role to play in maintaining peace and security.
President Boakai further pledged to strengthen cooperation with regional and international partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, in addressing common security challenges.
He concluded by thanking government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, and international partners that contributed to the development of the strategy, while emphasizing the need for regular reviews to ensure it remains relevant to changing circumstances.
The National Security Strategy will serve as the government’s guiding framework for addressing security challenges and promoting peace and stability across Liberia over the next 10 years.
