ADDIS ABABA – Liberia’s Foreign Minister H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., has frowned on the hijacking of power through unconstitutional means, noting that the State of Peace and Security on the Continent, his delegation has observed with dismay the rise in terrorism and violent extremism.
Minister Kemayah intoned that in the midst of these unfolding developments, the Government of Liberia under the astute Leadership of His Excellency President Dr. George Manneh Weah supports the holding of an Extraordinary Summit on Terrorism as proposed by the Government of Angola, and condemns in the strongest term, the respective military takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan; as well as the “Failed Coup Attempt” in Guinea Bissau, which is a major setback to democracy.
Representing His Excellency President Dr. Weah at the 35th Ordinary Summit of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia held on February 5-6, 2022, Minister Kemayah said Liberia is in full support of the actions taken by the Regional Bloc – “ECOWAS and the African Union against the three (3) Military Regimes in their region and the four (4) of them on the Continent; respectively.
“I am pleased for the opportunity to address this distinguished Assembly on behalf of His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia. I recall the untiring efforts of the founders of the OAU, including my country, Liberia, and their commitment to build a united and integrated Africa. I am glad, that objective remains the motivation of the Union”, Minister Kemayah mentioned.
The Dean of the Cabinet said that in view of the potentially destabilizing impact of terrorism and violent extremism; as well as the rise in military takeovers, he proposed that a decision be taken to immediately reactivate the African Standby Force to enhance its preparedness to act should the need arise.
“Allow me to convey warm greetings, best wishes and profound appreciation on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia to the African Union Commission for the development of a harmonized policy for the Management of the COVID- 19 Pandemic and the coordination efforts with the Government of Liberia for the securing and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, negotiated jointly.
“We look forward to the continued engagement of the Union in the coming years as we strengthen the gains we have made together. Let me assure all Your Excellencies that Liberia will continue to play a significant role in the affairs and activities of the Union”, Minister Kemayah noted.
Minister Kemayah used the occasion to congratulate His Excellency Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal on his ascendency as Chairperson of the African Union, and for the AU convening this very important Session of the Assembly, under the theme; “Building Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthen Agriculture, Accelerate the Human Capital, Social and Economic Development”;aimed at addressing outstanding issues relating to the much desired ongoing Reform of our Union and its Agenda 2063.
“Mr. Chairman, your election during this 35th Ordinary Session of our August body is not only an honor to you and the Government and People of the Republic of Senegal, but also for the African Continent at large. Despite the disrupting effects of the COVID -19 pandemic, we are certain that you will be able to preside over the Affairs of our Assembly successfully, and fulfill the expectations and confidence reposed in you.
“Mr. Chairman, you have assumed the leadership of the Assembly at a critical juncture. The World is still battling a Global health situation, the COVID -19 Pandemic, which has killed millions of our global citizens, slowed economic growth and development, and has shaken countries to their foundations. You have also taken over at a time that our Union is going through a comprehensive reform that will transition the African Union Commission to a high performing efficient and effective organization that is able to deliver on agreed Continental priorities, and attract and retain the best quality of staff at all levels, while operating within a strong accountability and performance based framework”, Foreign Minister Kemayah noted.
He commended His Excellency Felix Tshekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and outgoing Chairperson of the Union for the excellent manner in which he steered the affairs of our Union during the challenging period of 2021.Your Excellency President Tshekedi, your pioneering leadership has placed the Union in firm position when it comes to global affairs.
Additionally, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed for his overwhelming election as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and for the warm hospitality being accorded his delegation and him in this great and beautiful country.
The Liberian Chief Diplomat paid special tribute to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahammat for his enthusiasm and personal dedication to the work of the Union, and for competently steering the affairs of the Union since he assumed this position five years ago, stating that his farsighted leadership qualities continue to keep the African Union Commission focused on its objectives in the face of daunting challenges.
“Our Union has set towering goals and formulated roadmaps to stimulate integration and address the socio-economic imperatives of the continent. Agendas 2030 and 2063 are important mechanisms for meeting the multifaceted problems facing Africa and its people. I am confident that under the able leadership of our Union, Africa will continue to aggressively pursue practical solutions to its problems. Liberia remains fully committed to working closely with the Leadership of the AU towards the realization of the Africa we want.