Liberia and Sierra Leone Forge Stronger Ties
In a groundbreaking interview with the Concord Times newspaper, Sierra Leone, Liberia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, revealed the country's bid for a seat on the prestigious United Nations Security Council, alongside its neighbor Sierra Leone.
The minister's visit to Sierra Leone, as part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's delegation, highlighted the close ties between the two post-conflict nations, which have weathered years of civil war and peacekeeping missions.
"The fact is that both countries have come from war, we've had peacekeepers; we've had peacekeeping missions and we are now the ones that are sitting on the table," Nyanti said. She noted that Sierra Leone is currently representing its experience at the Security Council, not as a recipient country, but as a nation with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction.
The minister stated that Liberia plans to follow Sierra Leone's lead and also bid for a seat at the Security Council, further cementing the regional cooperation between the two countries.
Nyanti's visit also revealed new areas of collaboration, including discussions on agriculture, infrastructure, and the potential for a second fiber optic cable to improve connectivity in the region. The two countries also explored the idea of a common market within the Mano River Union (MRU), which would encompass a combined market of almost 14 million people.
"Imagine the economic growth in the Sub-region. So those are the things we talked about today. Our President had very good conversations about that. We are optimistic about that," Nyanti said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, drawing on Liberia's own experience of a smooth transition after the 2023 elections. She emphasized that intentionality and a commitment to peace are key factors in ensuring a successful and peaceful handover of power.
"Peaceful transition has to be intentional. You must want it. If President Buakai didn’t want a peaceful transition, we would not have had a peaceful transition. If President Weah didn’t want a peaceful transition, he wouldn’t have conceded." Nyanti said.
The Liberian delegation's visit to Sierra Leone underscores the growing collaboration and mutual support between the two nations as they navigate the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and seek to play a more prominent role in regional and global affairs.
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