Liberia ,ECOWAS Sign Strategic MoU, Honours Benin and the at Ministerial Council By Raymond Enoch
History stood tall today at the ECOWAS Commission during the 95th Session of Council of Ministers that a symbolic demonstration of regional solidarity and renewed commitment to West Africa’s integration agenda, that the Government of Liberia and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
The ceremony, witnessed by foreign ministers, senior government officials, and regional policymakers, marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Liberia and the regional body across governance, development, and institutional capacity-building.
Speaking at the signing, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Monrovia’s unwavering commitment to supporting ECOWAS’ mandate on peace, democracy, and regional stability. The MoU, officials said, provides a framework for technical cooperation, institutional support, and joint action in areas such as conflict prevention, administrative reforms, and development planning. ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security hailed the agreement as “a timely reinforcement of shared values at a moment when the region is navigating complex political transitions and growing security pressures.”
In a rare and deeply symbolic gesture, the Republic of Liberia also presented special awards to ECOWAS and the Republic of Benin, recognizing their unwavering support for Liberia’s democratic consolidation,5 peacebuilding process, and humanitarian initiatives over the past year. The award to ECOWAS acknowledged the organisation’s role in electoral assistance, conflict mediation, and institutional reforms currently underway in Liberia. The recognition of Benin underscored Cotonou’s bilateral support to Liberia in governance capacity-building, regional diplomacy, and economic cooperation. Liberia’s Foreign Minister described the awards as “a tribute to partners who have stood firmly with the Liberian people in moments of challenge and transformation.”
The presentation drew warm applause from delegates, with several ministers noting that such recognition reflects the deepening spirit of mutual support within ECOWAS at a time when the region faces threats ranging from unconstitutional changes of government to economic shocks and security challenges. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, host of the session, commended Liberia’s gesture as “a testament to the enduring bonds that unite West African nations and a reminder that regional integration thrives on mutual respect and shared responsibility.”
The 95th Council of Ministers meeting, which continues in Abuja, is expected to deliberate on key regional priorities, including security cooperation, election support missions, economic integration frameworks, and institutional reforms targeted at strengthening ECOWAS’ effectiveness. The Liberian–ECOWAS MoU and the symbolict awards have set a strong tone for the ongoing ministerial discussions, affirming the region’s commitment to collaboration, stability, and collective progress.
