Liberian President urges end to proxy wars in West Africa at UN, emphasizes need for regional unity

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has raised concerns over the increasing risk of proxy conflicts in West Africa, calling for measures to prevent the region from becoming a battleground for external rivalries. He emphasized the need to protect the unity of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and safeguard regional stability.

“Liberia stands firmly with the rest of West Africa in our commitment to maintaining the 50-year-old ECOWAS intact. We oppose any attempts to fracture our Union and will not tolerate the region being used for proxy wars,” Boakai stated during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. He cautioned that rising political and security challenges – including terrorism and economic instability – are creating an environment ripe for foreign exploitation, which could further exacerbate conflicts in the region.

Boakai’s statement reflects growing fears that West Africa, with its strategic position and abundant natural resources, is increasingly susceptible to outside interference. The region has been grappling with a series of crises, such as military coups, insurgencies, and terrorism, which have destabilized countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. “The threat of conflict to our shared world underlines the urgent need for collaborative efforts to foster regional and global stability and peace,” Boakai noted.

The Liberian leader called for coordinated regional efforts and urged the international community to support West Africa’s fight against terrorism and other destabilizing forces. “We look to the EU and the UN for support in maintaining the unity of ECOWAS,” he said, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the regional body.

While addressing the broader implications of proxy conflicts, President Boakai also highlighted Liberia’s progress in promoting democracy, peace, and justice. He cited the country’s recent peaceful transition of power as a testament to Liberia’s dedication to democratic governance, following 14 years of civil unrest. “In January of this year, Liberia reached a historic milestone by successfully transitioning from one democratic government to another,” Boakai remarked, describing it as a significant achievement in the nation’s history.

During his speech, Boakai also touched on pressing global security issues, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and urging both Israel and Palestine to engage in negotiations toward a lasting peace, including a two-state solution. He similarly called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, stressing the need for a solution that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity. “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine poses a threat to global peace and security, and there is an urgent need for a peaceful resolution,” he added.

Shifting focus to domestic challenges, President Boakai acknowledged Liberia’s ongoing struggle with a growing drug crisis affecting the country’s youth. “Liberia is facing a drug crisis that threatens the future of our youth and our nation,” he said, attributing the crisis to international criminal networks. He noted that the government has declared the drug epidemic a national security threat and established a dedicated national body to address the issue.

Beyond security, Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to global sustainability by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the country works to reduce poverty and improve essential services by 2030. He underscored Liberia’s leadership role in climate action, noting that it is the most forested country in West Africa, and stressed the importance of regional and global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. “Our country is taking a proactive role in leading the climate action dialogue,” he stated, calling on lawmakers to support Liberia’s nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.

President Boakai concluded by reiterating Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2026, seeking the support of member states. “Liberia is ready to contribute to regional and global efforts in tackling security challenges,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to promote peace and stability in West Africa and beyond.