ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Calls on President Sirleaf

The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Mustapha Cisse Lo, on the margins of the 49th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Summit OF Heads of State and Government held in Dakar, Senegal, paid a courtesy call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to acquaint her with progress and challenges affecting the work of the Community.

According to a dispatch from Dakar, Senegal, the ECOWAS Speaker commended President Sirleaf for her stewardship at the level of ECOWAS and enjoined her support in working with the ECOWAS Parliament to address critical issues associated with the organization.

Hon. Cisse Lo said while it was true that enormous progress has been archived, it was necessary to collectively collaborate to surmount existing challenges in the best interest of the organization to fulfill the aspirations of the organization. He called on President Sirleaf to use her influence to bring a sigh of relief to obstacles in the way of the work of the Community.

Responding, President Sirleaf said she was pleased with the level of work done so far but added that more needed to be realized as the organization transitions from ECOWAS of States to one of people.  The Liberian leader said in light of the concerns expressed by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament – it was significant to adopt a step by step approach to resolving all outstanding issues.

She, however, thanked the Speaker for his leadership and role in steering the affairs of the ECOWAS Parliament amid huge challenges, stressing collaboration and fostering commonness of purpose in the overall interest of the Community.

Speaker Mustapha Cisse Lo was accompanied by ECOWAS Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jefferson Karmoh, Member of ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Edwin Snowe and the Secretary General Secretary of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Nelson Magbagbeola.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was attendance at the just-ended 49th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS in Dakar, Senegal. She was earlier met on arrival at the Leopard Sédar Senghor International Airport by Madame Aminata Tall, President on the Socio-economic Council of Senegal, who led Cabinet Members, the diplomatic Corps and diplomats from the Liberian Mission accredited near Dakar.

Members of the President’s delegation to the ECOWAS Summit are Representatives Jeff S. Karmoh and Edwin Snowe of ECOWAS Parliament; as well as Foreign Minister Marjon Kamara, Information Minister Eugene Lenn Nagbe, Ambassador Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria and Mr. Benedict Roberts, ECOWAS Coordinator.

In another development, President Sirleaf has told Liberians residing in Senegal to remain law-abiding, obedient and prepare themselves for constructive engagement upon their return home to be of service to their country and people.

According to a dispatch from Dakar, Senegal, President Sirleaf made the remarks when scores of Liberians residing in Dakar, Senegal trooped on the grounds of the King Fayad Palace to congratulate her on the occasion of her successful election as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the just ended 49th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the Community.

She told her compatriots that while enjoying the goodwill and hospitality of the Senegalese Government and people, it was imperative to respect the laws of the host country that has been accommodating them throughout the years. The Liberian leader challenged them to pursue viable disciplines and vocations that will enable them contribute meaningfully to the development of Liberia once they return home. She urged them to always be mindful that Liberia needs them more than anything and had an obligation to give back to their country.

Speaking on behalf of the Liberian Community – the group’s leader, Ms. Patricia Dweh, congratulated President Sirleaf on the occasion of her unanimous election by colleagues as Chairperson of the Authority and praised her for her firm commitment and leadership to lead Liberia’s transition from one of hopelessness to stability, progress, sustained peace and development.

Amid jubilation and chanting, President Sirleaf gave the Liberian Community a purse of US$1,000.00 and 500 euros respectively.