-From 38th African Union (AU) Summit
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson
In a move that signals responsiveness to public concerns, Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai returned from the 38th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard a commercial flight, Ethiopia Airlines ET 377, on Monday, February 17, 2025. This decision follows widespread criticism of the President’s frequent use of private jets for official travel, which had sparked a heated debate over government spending and accountability.
The controversy began after President Boakai’s recent trip to the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania, where he traveled via private jet. Critics argued that such extravagant travel expenses were inappropriate, particularly given Liberia’s ongoing economic challenges. The public outcry reignited discussions about transparency and fiscal responsibility within the administration.
The 38th AU Summit, held from February 15 to 16, 2025, focused on the theme, *”Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”* The summit addressed critical issues such as self-reliance, historical injustices, and the modernization of Africa while amplifying the Global South’s call for greater equality in global governance.
During his address to African leaders on February 15, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the AU’s agenda, emphasizing the nation’s role in advocating for reparations as a means of addressing the enduring legacies of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism.
“As the home of freed slaves, with 5% of our population being descendants of those liberated, Liberia is uniquely and deeply tied to the struggle and legacy of slavery,” President Boakai stated. He underscored that reparations are not only a step toward healing and reconciliation but also a pathway to fostering unity and trust within Africa and the global African community.
President Boakai also highlighted Liberia’s historical leadership in Africa’s liberation movements and its ongoing commitment to justice and equality. He expressed gratitude for the AU’s support during Liberia’s 2023 elections, where over 60 observers were deployed to ensure a transparent and democratic process. Additionally, he thanked the AU for endorsing Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2026-2027.
“We look forward to working with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is vying for the other seat, in undertaking continent-wide initiatives such as addressing the nexus between resources and conflict in Africa,” Boakai said.
Since assuming office on January 22, 2024, President Boakai’s administration has launched the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, a five-year plan focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. The agenda aims to modernize Liberia’s infrastructure, promote good governance, revitalize the economy, and empower citizens, with a particular emphasis on women and youth.
President Boakai’s decision to return on a commercial flight has been seen as a gesture of accountability and a willingness to address public concerns. While the move has been welcomed by some, others argue that it is only a first step toward greater transparency and fiscal prudence in government operations.
