Written by: Badr Ahmed

The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., returned to his country after concluding his successful participation in the High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparative Justice and the Trafficking of Slave Africans, which was hosted by the Ghanaian capital Accra over two days, with the participation of a number of African leaders, international figures and experts concerned with issues of historical justice.

A prominent international appointment for the President of Liberia after his participation in the Compensatory Justice Summit in Ghana

The conference featured extensive discussions on ways to address the ongoing effects of the transatlantic slave trade and to strengthen efforts to achieve historical justice and reparations for those affected by these practices, which have had a profound impact on African societies and the African diaspora around the world.

During the conference, President Boakai joined a number of African heads of state, officials and stakeholders to participate in a continental dialogue aimed at unifying African visions and positions on the issue of reparations and historical justice, and working to develop a common approach to address the repercussions of the centuries-long era of slavery.

The Liberian president delivered a keynote address during the conference, in which he affirmed his country’s support for collective efforts aimed at preserving the historical memory of the African continent, promoting paths of reconciliation and recovery, and striving to achieve justice for communities affected by the slave trade and slavery throughout history.

Boakai stressed the importance of concerted African and international efforts to ensure recognition of the historical injustices suffered by African peoples, and to work on finding practical mechanisms that contribute to achieving justice and equity for current and future generations.

In a move reflecting Liberia’s standing on this issue, President Boakai was selected as a member of the Global Advisory Board on Reparation Justice, an international platform that provides advice and formulates visions related to reparations and historical justice issues at the global level.

This appointment is seen as recognition of the role Liberia plays in supporting common African causes, particularly those relating to the historical rights of African peoples and promoting international dialogue on ways to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism.

Following the conclusion of the conference, President Boakai left the Ghanaian capital, Accra, heading to Liberia, after participating in the conference proceedings and its outcomes aimed at strengthening African and international efforts to achieve reparative justice and consolidate the principles of historical equity.