-President Boakai Appoints ECOMOG Memorial Committee
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – In a move to honor the sacrifices of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has appointed a high-level committee to oversee the creation of a national memorial dedicated to the peacekeeping force that played a pivotal role in restoring stability to Liberia during its civil war.
The ECOMOG Memorial Committee, chaired by Maj/Gen Daniel D. Ziankahn (Rtd.), Jr., Military Advisor to the President, is tasked with determining the design, location, cost, and timeline for the construction of the memorial. The committee comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, religious leaders, architects, and security experts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to this historic project.
In his Annual Message on January 27, 2025, President Boakai emphasized the importance of recognizing the selfless contributions of ECOMOG forces, who risked their lives to preserve Liberia’s territorial integrity and unity during one of the nation’s darkest periods. The memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of men and women from ECOWAS member states who answered Liberia’s call for help.
Committee Members
The ECOMOG Memorial Committee includes:
1. Director General, General Services Agency (GSA)
2. President, Liberia Council of Churches
3. Head, National Muslim Council of Liberia
4. President, Liberian Institute of Architects
5. Chairman, Liberia Land Authority
6. Minister of Public Works
7. Minister of Finance and Development Planning
8. Minister of National Defense
9. Chairman, Senate Committee on National Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs
10. Chairman, House Committee on National Security
11. President, William V. S. Tubman University
12. Mr. Joe Gene Mulbah, Advisor to the President on Infrastructure
Leadership and Expertise
Maj/Gen Ziankahn, a decorated military officer and former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), brings a wealth of experience to the role. His tenure saw Liberia’s active participation in regional peacekeeping missions, including operations in Mali, and his strategic insights will be invaluable in shaping the memorial’s vision.
ECOMOG’s Legacy
ECOMOG, established in 1990 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was a groundbreaking regional security initiative. Comprising troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and other member states, ECOMOG intervened in Liberia’s civil war (1989–1997) to halt the bloodshed and restore order. Despite debates over its legal foundations, ECOMOG’s humanitarian impact was undeniable, marking a turning point in Liberia’s journey toward peace.
