Written by: Badr Ahmed

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of the Republic of Liberia affirmed that his country’s accession to the Global Advisory Council for International Reparative Justice represents an important opportunity to enhance Liberia’s contribution to peacebuilding, reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction issues, as well as to support African demands related to historical justice and the restitution of rights.

Membership in the Global Advisory Council for Reparative Justice promotes development

President Boakai’s remarks came after his return to the capital Monrovia on Saturday evening, following his participation in the International Conference on Reparative Justice held in Ghana, at the invitation of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, where he participated as a special guest and delivered a keynote address to international leaders and representatives concerned with this issue.

The President explained that Liberia’s accession to the Advisory Council comes at an important time, especially given the country’s non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, which gives it an important position that allows it to share its experience in the areas of post-war recovery, state-building, and strengthening development and democracy.

In response to questions from journalists, including presidential correspondent Anthony Williams, Boakai noted that the discussions during the conference focused on the concepts of restitution, remembrance, and reconciliation, stressing that the goal was not to dwell on the past, but to acknowledge historical injustice and work towards building a more just and stable future.

The President added that Liberia’s experience in national reconciliation and democratic transition represents a model that can be used at the level of the African continent, especially with regard to preserving historical memory and promoting paths of justice and sustainable development.

He stressed that his country’s participation in this international process reflects its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at promoting the rights of African peoples to justice and equity, and working to create greater opportunities for development, education and empowerment of future generations.

The Liberian president participated in the international conference as a guest of honor, where he delivered a keynote address alongside a number of leaders and experts, stressing the importance of strengthening international and regional cooperation on the issue of reparative justice, as it is one of the main pillars for achieving stability and development in Africa and the world.

This movement comes within the framework of increasing efforts to enshrine historical justice issues on the international agenda, which contributes to supporting reconciliation processes and rebuilding trust between peoples and societies affected by the legacy of colonialism and the long history of violations.