Monrovia, Liberia – As part of its 178th Independence Day celebrations, the Republic of Liberia has paid tribute to key West African nations and regional leaders who played significant roles in restoring peace during the country’s civil war years.
In a special recognition ceremony marking ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai presented national awards to seven countries that contributed troops to the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). The honoured states included Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone — all of which deployed personnel to help stabilize Liberia during its years of brutal conflict.
“These nations stood with us in our darkest hours,” President Boakai said, noting that Liberia would remain eternally grateful for their sacrifices and solidarity.
In addition to the contributing member states, Liberia also extended special honours to former Executive Secretaries of ECOWAS who played pivotal roles during the Liberian crisis. Among those recognised were H.E. Lansana Kouyaté, H.E. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, and H.E. Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas — all of whom were instrumental in coordinating regional diplomacy and peacekeeping missions.
The ceremony served both as a moment of reflection and as a reaffirmation of Liberia’s commitment to regional integration and cooperation through ECOWAS, as the regional bloc marks five decades since its founding.
The event was widely attended by diplomats, government officials, and representatives of regional institutions, underscoring Liberia’s continued appreciation for the collective efforts that helped bring the nation back from the brink of collapse.
By Jane Ansumana
