Liberia Launches ECOWAS@50 Celebration with Tribute to Peacekeepers

Monrovia, Liberia: As part of activities commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Government of Liberia has officially launched a year-long celebration in Monrovia.

Speaking at the launch event, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cllr. Deweh E. Gray, paid tribute to the courageous men and women of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) who served during Liberia’s civil war. She described ECOWAS’s golden jubilee as a significant milestone, particularly meaningful to Liberia’s journey from conflict to peace.

“This anniversary is not just a commemoration of the passage of time but a celebration of the courage, strength, and determination of the Liberian people,” Minister Gray said. “It also reminds us of the powerful role ECOWAS has played in restoring peace and advancing unity across our region.”

Minister Gray praised ECOWAS for its impact on regional peace, economic development, and policy harmonization, citing its role in transformative projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy across West Africa.

In her remarks, she acknowledged ECOMOG’s crucial intervention during Liberia’s civil crisis, expressing deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by ECOWAS member states in restoring stability and rebuilding national institutions.

Also addressing the event was Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia. She reflected on ECOWAS’s founding in 1975, emphasizing the bold vision of its founders and this year’s anniversary theme: “Stronger Together for a Better Future.”

“Liberia holds a cherished place in the ECOWAS family,” said Ambassador Nkrumah. “Through its journey from conflict to peace, Liberia has demonstrated the transformative impact ECOWAS can have in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.”

Ambassador Nkrumah highlighted key achievements in Liberia, including healthcare and housing projects in border communities like Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland counties.

The colorful launch ceremony was attended by Cabinet members, diplomats, heads of government institutions, civil society actors, and the private sector.

Liberia’s year-long celebration will spotlight ECOWAS’s role in regional integration, trade, peacekeeping, and development, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to the shared vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.