28/08/2024
ECOWAS Reaffirms Support for Liberia in Meeting with President Boakai, Clarifies Communication from CDC's Political Leader!
Capitol Hill, Monrovia - August 27, 2024!
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, led by its President, Mr. Alieu Turay, has reaffirmed its commitment to Liberia during a formal visit to congratulate President Joseph Boakai and the Liberian people on a peaceful democratic transition following the 2023 elections.
In a meeting with President Boakai on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Mr. Turay expressed ECOWAS's continued support for Liberia, focusing on socio-economic development, democratic consolidation, peace, and stability.
"We have come to assure President Boakai of our availability and commitment to assist Liberia in key areas, including socio-economic development and security" Mr. Turay told E-mansion reporters.
He further clarified that the visit had been planned months in advance during discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, with Liberia's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister.
Mr. Turay emphasized that any perceived link between the timing of the visit and recent political communication was purely coincidental.
"This visit was organized long before any recent developments. It was part of a well-planned invitation, and I am happy the President has graciously given me this opportunity," he told reporters at the Executive Mansion.
Speaking to reporters after the ECOWAS meeting President Boakai, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana reiterated President Boakai's assurance of maintaining peace in Liberia.
She said President Boakai told the ECOWAS Delegation at the meeting that, he is focused on stabilizing the country and improving its governance systems for the benefit of all Liberians, regardless of political affiliations.
In response to the recent political riot between state security forces and supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town, Madam Fofana said ECOWAS President Turay acknowledged receiving communication from former President George Weah on the riot.
She disclosed that President Boakai made it clear during the meeting that his government had no intention of causing any disruptions at the CDC headquarters, rather there was a raiding of substances around theCDC headquarters that some individuals insisted, causing a total disorganization.
The recent clash around the CDC headquarters led to significant chaos, with several individuals, including police officers, wounded.
The incident saw exchanges of stones between protesters and police officers, with law enforcement responding with teargas to control the situation.
Despite the tensions, Kula said President Boakai remains committed to national reconciliation.
She noted that President Boakai has been engaging with the legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as key political figures.
The Presidential Press Secretary concluded by noting that, President Boakai and Mr. Alexander B. Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), who recently shared the same flight, engaged in discussions on arranging a meeting to promote unity and strengthen Liberia's democratic process.
By: Sylvester Choloplay
SPOON TV
