LUNGI, Sierra Leone – July 19, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has called on West African leaders to accelerate regional integration by removing barriers to trade, strengthening democratic institutions, and deepening cooperation to address the region’s growing security and economic challenges.
Speaking at the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa and the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, President Boakai said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stands at a critical moment that demands decisive leadership and collective action.
“Our region faces evolving security threats, democratic challenges, economic pressures, climate change, and rising expectations from our young people,” President Boakai said. “These realities require us to act with purpose and strengthen the institutions that bind us together.”
Liberia Backs Regional Integration Agenda
President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, emphasizing that the benefits of ECOWAS must become tangible in the daily lives of citizens.
He said regional integration should move beyond policy declarations to practical implementation through greater peace, expanded trade, improved infrastructure, increased employment opportunities, and stronger economic resilience.
According to the Liberian leader, these objectives are consistent with his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes inclusive economic growth and regional cooperation.
Welcomes African Atlantic Gas Pipeline
President Boakai also welcomed the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement establishing the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, describing the initiative as a transformational project for West Africa.
He said the pipeline represents more than an energy investment, noting that it demonstrates the power of African countries working together to achieve shared development goals.
“This is far more than an energy project; it represents a transformational investment in our region’s collective future,” he stated.
Calls for Removal of Trade Barriers
While applauding regional infrastructure initiatives, President Boakai stressed that economic integration cannot succeed unless ECOWAS member states eliminate obstacles that hinder commerce and the free movement of people.
He urged member countries to remove unnecessary levies, reduce non-tariff barriers, simplify border procedures, and create a truly integrated regional market where businesses and citizens can fully benefit from regional cooperation.
Liberia Commits to Peace and Regional Stability
As Liberia prepares to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, President Boakai pledged that the country would continue promoting ECOWAS and African priorities on the global stage.
He reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy, constitutional governance, conflict resolution, and sustainable development as key pillars for regional stability.
The President also expressed optimism over progress made in resolving the longstanding border issue between Liberia and neighboring Guinea.
He praised the dialogue and cooperation between the two countries and said he remains hopeful that, with the support of the ECOWAS Commission, the matter will soon reach a peaceful and mutually acceptable conclusion.
Pays Tribute to ECOWAS Leaders
President Boakai commended Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership as outgoing Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, thanking him for guiding the regional body during a challenging period.
He also paid tribute to outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and the Commission’s outgoing Vice President for their service, particularly their efforts to engage Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
While acknowledging the challenges surrounding the three countries’ exit, President Boakai expressed hope that they would eventually return to the regional bloc.
The Liberian leader further congratulated Senegal on assuming the Presidency of the ECOWAS Commission and Nigeria on taking over the Commission’s Vice Presidency, pledging Liberia’s full cooperation with the new leadership.
Appreciates Confidence in Liberia
President Boakai thanked ECOWAS member states for their continued confidence in Liberia, citing the recent appointments of qualified Liberians to key positions within ECOWAS institutions.
He said Liberia accepts the trust with humility and remains committed to serving the regional community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
Condemns Xenophobic Attacks
In closing, President Boakai joined Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama in condemning recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling for greater unity and solidarity across the African continent.
“The future of West Africa will not be determined by the challenges we face, but by the courage with which we respond to them,” President Boakai said, urging regional leaders to build “a stronger, more integrated, and more peaceful West Africa and a united Africa.”
The summit brought together Heads of State and Government from across West Africa to deliberate on the future of regional integration, peace, security, governance, and economic cooperation within the ECOWAS community.
