President Sirleaf Attends CENSAD Summit

 Monrovia, Liberia - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Liberia is in agreement with the principles of a Union of Africa. She has, however, stressed the need for the continent to develop a road map which will lead to the formation of such a Union.

The President spoke today in Cotonou, Benin, at the end of the 10th Summit of Heads of State of the Community of Sahel-Sahara States (CENSAD). During the Summit, the Liberian leader and her counterparts signed three treaties aimed at promoting cooperation amongst member states. These included ‘the common non-aggression treaty,’ ‘the youth promotion treaty,’ and ‘the governance, democracy and elections treaty.’ She also emphasized that Liberia supports CENSAD in principle and further pledged her full support to Beninois President Thomas Yayi Boni who becomes the new chairman of CENSAD.

At the end of the Summit, the Heads of State agreed to work towards the establishment of a Union Government in order to reach a United States of Africa. They also declared their effective commitment to see the realization of this goal after the African Union Summit in its upcoming session in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The CENSAD Heads of State finally called on all African countries to respond to this call. The Community of Sahel-Sahara States (CENSAD) also admitted three members during the Summit, thus increasing its membership from 25 to 28 countries. Countries admitted included Mauritania, Kenya and Sao Tome and Principe.

In another development, President Johnson Sirleaf has stressed her Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for all Liberians. She says revamping the mining and forestry sectors is key in such a venture.

She spoke today in Cotonou, Benin, where she met with members of the Liberian community. The Liberian leader encouraged her citizens to return home. She also stressed her support for voluntary repatriation, saying no one should be forced to return home. The President then called on members of the Liberian community in Benin to remain lawful.

President Johnson Sirleaf and entourage returned home this evening following the end of the 10th Heads of State Summit of CENSAD.