Addis Ababa, Ethiopia โ His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, today delivered his first address at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), reaffirming Liberiaโs commitment to justice, democracy, and African unity.
In his address to the Assembly as President of Liberia, President Boakai expressed gratitude to the AU and the Ethiopian Government for their warm hospitality.
He congratulated His Excellency Joรฃo Lourenรงo, President of Angola, on his election as Chairperson of the African Union, while commending the leadership of the outgoing Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Speaking on the AUโs 2025 theme, โJustice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,โ President Boakai joined other African leaders to call for the need for reparations to address the enduring legacies of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism.
โLiberia firmly believes in the importance of reparations as a critical first step toward addressing the lasting legacy and impacts of these historical injustices,โ President Boakai stated, pointing out that, โAs a nation founded by freed slaves, Liberia is uniquely tied to this struggle and stands as a natural advocate for reparations.โ He noted.
He emphasized Liberiaโs continued role in advocating for justice, healing, and reconciliation, stressing that reparations would foster unity and trust across Africa and the global African diaspora.
President Boakai also highlighted Liberiaโs appreciation for the AUโs support during its 2023 elections, which ensured a peaceful and transparent process, reinforcing Liberiaโs democratic stability.
Additionally, he welcomed the African Unionโs endorsement of Liberiaโs candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2026-2027) and called for continued support to advancing key African priorities, including peace, security, youth empowerment, and economic development.
Sharing Liberiaโs vision for inclusive development, President Boakai outlined his Administrationโs ARREST Agenda, a five-year plan focused on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. He reaffirmed Liberiaโs commitment to working closely with the AU and fellow African nations to build a prosperous, united, and resilient continent.
โLiberia will remain an active and committed partner in advancing the Unionโs agenda for a stronger and more prosperous Africa,โ President Boakai assured.
