President Boakai Holds High-Level Bilateral Meetings in Nairobi on Regional Cooperation, Governance, and Africa’s Development Agenda
Nairobi, Kenya, on May 10, 2026, His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today held a series of high-level bilateral engagements in Nairobi with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara focused on regional peace and security, African governance, economic cooperation, and sustainable development across the continent.
During talks with President Ruto, both leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including collaboration in energy infrastructure, tourism, education, technology, and youth empowerment.
President Ruto appreciated the Liberian Leader for honoring the invitation and emphasized that the purpose of the engagement was to foster greater collaboration among African leaders and exchange ideas on how to position Africa for sustainable growth while empowering the continent’s youth. He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming G7 Summit, expected to take place in June or July, as a critical platform for advancing discussions on global governance, concessional financing, reforms to the United Nations Security Council, and the restructuring of global financial architecture.
President Ruto further noted that the summit would provide an opportunity for African leaders to engage the international community on key global priorities, including climate change, climate financing, artificial intelligence, information and communication technology, and mobilizing resources to address these critical challenges.
Responding, President Boakai thanked President Ruto for the warm engagement and underscored the importance of African solidarity at a time of evolving global challenges. He stated that African nations must work together to harness the continent’s vast talents and resources for the benefit of its people. President Boakai emphasized that Africa possesses the human capacity and natural resources necessary to drive its own development and economic transformation.
In a separate bilateral meeting, President Boakai and President Ouattara discussed strengthening regional peace, security, and cooperation within the Mano River Union (MRU) subregion.
President Boakai briefed President Ouattara on the current situation at the Sorlumba crossing point and ongoing developments affecting border stability in the region.
Both leaders expressed concern over the impact of the border crises on regional integration efforts and development initiatives involving Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
The two heads of state agreed on the urgent need to intensify diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving the crises and restoring stability within the subregion. They emphasized the importance of convening a regional summit to address the prevailing challenges affecting cross-border cooperation and regional development.
The leaders further acknowledged that several key regional projects within the Mano River Union have stalled as a result of instability along the borders, underscoring the need for coordinated regional action to revive economic cooperation and cross-border development initiatives.
President Ouattara proposed the convening of a ministerial-level meeting ahead of the planned regional summit to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the border-related crises and recommend practical solutions for lasting peace and stability.
Both Presidents also discussed the growing threat of terrorism and instability within the subregion and their adverse effects on economic growth, governance, and regional security. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to working collaboratively with regional and international partners to preserve peace, stability, and democratic governance across West Africa.
President Boakai also updated President Ouattara on Liberia’s continued democratic progress, highlighting recent gains in governance, democratic consolidation, and national development.
The meetings reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships, advancing peace and security, and promoting sustainable development and African-led solutions to continental and global challenges.
