Liberia and Guinea on Wednesday presented their respective country reports to the ECOWAS Parliament at the ongoing first Ordinary Session of the Parliament in Abuja through their countries’ parliament delegations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country report contains an analysis of the political, economic and security situations, among others, in the two countries.
According to the Liberia country report, which was presented by the leader of the country’s delegation, Sen. Edwin Snowe, Jr., Liberia is politically stable under President Joseph Boikai.
The report also noted that the establishment of an Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force, a war and economic crimes court, and the appointment of Brig.-Gen Geraldine George as Defense Minister, were crucial.
It projects a real GDP growth, with a focus on priority areas and strong investments, and cited a boarder approved resource envelope for FY 2024 as U.S. 692,409,245.53 dollars.
The report also indicated that Liberia has made progress in meeting four out of six macroeconomic convergence criteria.
It, however, noted that there were challenges in the areas of regional security threats, drug trafficking, and the need for national reconciliatory measures to unite both past and present leaders.
The Liberian parliamentary delegation assured that the government was doing all it could to combat the challenge, adding that the government now has a strong law in place to combat the challenges.
The Liberian MPs also drew attention to the non-payment of community levy by some member states, and urged the parliament to adopt measures that would ensure compliance by all member states.
They further expressed concern over the developing threat of food insecurity, and underscored its negative effect on every economic factor.
On its part, the Guinea delegation’s report, which was presented by Rep. Fanta Conte, highlighted the challenges confronting the country in the areas of security, human rights, and socio-economic development.
Conte said that Guinea was determined to overcome them, adding that the country was making strident efforts to rebuild and strengthen the nation’s institutions, promote democracy, and ensure a peaceful return to constitutional order.
According to the delegation, Guinea’s transition process is progressing gradually, with the National Committee of the Rally for Development working to establish strong and legitimate institutions, ensure the rule of law, and promote fundamental human rights.
According to the Guinea MPs, in spite of multifaceted challenges, the country has made significant economic progress, with a growth rate of 4.2 per cent projected for 2024.
They also reported that in order to improve its security situation, Guinea had adopted several security policies and laws to combat terrorism, money laundering, and fraud.
The delegation appreciated the ECOWAS Parliament for its support and guidance during their trying period, noting that the solidarity and encouragement from ECOWAS had strengthened the country.
They also reported that the country was doing everything possible to return to constitutional order, and assured that all the country’s activities, which had been adopted by ECOWAS were being fully implemented.
Responding to the reports, other ECOWAS parliamentarians lauded the two countries’ delegations for their countries’ efforts and expressed optimism that the new era would further strengthen democracy.
They also urged them to encourage their countries’ leaders to work towards the growth of the region, advancement of democracy, stability, security and peace to in the sub-region.(NAN)
By Mark Longyen
