ECOWAS Applauded For Upholding Peace In West Africa
By Godgift Harris
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has praised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its pivotal role in restoring peace and stability in Liberia, describing the regional bloc as the “backbone of Liberia’s post-war recovery.”
She spoke recently at the official ceremony marking Liberia’s 178th Independence Anniversary at the Centennial Pavilion on Saturday July 26, 2025 in Monrovia.
Minister Nyanti offered a heartfelt tribute to ECOWAS and its member states for their courageous interventions during Liberia’s civil crises.
She said the sacrifices made by West African peacekeepers were central to ending the country’s brutal civil wars and setting it on a path to peace and national rebuilding.
“Soldiers from across the sub-region came together often in the face of grave danger to protect innocent lives and mediate between warring factions, and uphold the hope of peace,” Minister Nyanti said. “Their sacrifices were immense.They operated in volatile environments, faced fierce resistance, and witnessed the suffering of civilians.Yet, they remained resilient, steadfast and courageous.”
The Foreign Minister, who also serves as Dean of the Cabinet, reflected on the decisive role played by ECOWAS peacekeeping forces under ECOMOG ECOWAS Monitoring Group especially in the lead-up to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2003, which formally ended Liberia’s civil conflict.
She emphasized that ECOWAS’s involvement extended beyond military operations.
Troops provided humanitarian support, secured safe zones, protected displaced populations, and created conditions for national dialogue and reconciliation.
Minister Nyanti paid special homage to former ECOWAS Executive Secretaries including Dr. Edouard Benjamin and Dr. Lansana Kouyaté of Guinea as well as Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas of Ghana, whose leadership she credited for their “wisdom, integrity and unshakable commitment to peace.”
She also acknowledged the critical troop contributions of countries such as The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, naming Senegal for its initial role despite its later withdrawal for internal reasons.
“To all ECOWAS nations troop-contributing or not—we say thank you,” Nyanti declared.
“Thank you for your sacrifice, your courage, and for helping to build a peaceful West Africa. We stand today because you stood. Liberia lives today because you responded when it mattered most.”
In her remarks, Minister Nyanti stressed that without ECOWAS’s initial intervention, the later arrival and success of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) would not have been possible.
“Had there been no ECOWAS, there would have been no UNMIL,” she said. “You did not wait, you didn’t count the cost. You came in headfirst, hearts moving forward, and you stood with Liberia.”
The Minister urged Liberians never to forget the lessons of that period, called for continued regional solidarity, proactive diplomacy and collective action to address conflicts and prevent the recurrence of violence across West Africa.
She also honored the resilience of Liberians who endured the conflict and have since worked to rebuild their lives and communities.
In a solemn moment, she called for a minute of silence to honor both the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the war.
This year’s Independence Day celebration held special significance as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.
Minister Nyanti noted the symbolism of the occasion, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the ideals and values that ECOWAS embodies peace, cooperation and integration.
“We are proud to be part of ECOWAS,” she said. “The true legacy of this regional body is not just found in the battles fought or treaties signed.
It is found in the peace Liberians enjoy today, in the institutions we are building, and in the hope we are passing on to future generations.”
Nyanti then welcomed foreign dignitaries in attendance, including high-level representatives from The Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal and other ECOWAS member states.
Their presence, she said, was a clear sign of the deep and lasting bonds that unite the West African region.