President Joseph Boakai and his delegation returned to Liberia on Monday, December 16, 2024, following their participation in the 66th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The summit brought together West African leaders to discuss economic integration, regional peace, and stability.
During the session, President Boakai strongly advocated for adopting a single regional currency, emphasizing its potential to boost economic integration and sustainable development across West Africa. He cited the success of the Euro in Europe as an example of how a unified currency can promote trade, reduce economic inequalities, and foster regional cooperation.
“We see European countries using a single currency (Euro) successfully. This can also work for West African nations, helping strengthen our economies and unify the region,” President Boakai said in an interview.
The Liberian leader underscored the critical role of financial stability in achieving long-term peace and development. He noted that a shared currency would build economic resilience, improve infrastructure, and tackle regional challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
“Regional integration is the pathway to sustainable development. A single currency will unite us economically and strategically, empowering us to face global challenges as one cohesive region,” he stated.
In addition to economic reforms, President Boakai called for the lifting of sanctions on Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation for fostering regional unity and stability.
“Sanctions should not serve as permanent barriers but as opportunities to spark dialogue and pave the way for reconciliation and growth. The path to peace lies in unity and mutual understanding,” he stressed.
President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations to ECOWAS, acknowledging the need to settle its arrears to support the regional integration agenda.
Recognizing the rising insecurity in the region, particularly in the Sahel, President Boakai urged member states to prioritize intelligence sharing, early warning systems, and joint efforts to combat security threats.
“We must work together, share intelligence, and strengthen collective efforts to ensure a safer and more secure region for all,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s unwavering commitment to regional peace, unity, and sustainable progress, positioning the country as a strong advocate for integration and cooperation within ECOWAS
