Monrovia, Liberia – August 19, 2025 – Liberia solemnly commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement (ACPA) on Tuesday, reflecting on the pivotal 2003 treaty that ended a devastating 14-year civil war and established the framework for democratic governance and national reconciliation.
The keynote address for the commemorative event, held at the University of Liberia Auditorium, was delivered by Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA). Dr. Joekai characterized the agreement signed in Accra, Ghana, as far more than a peace treaty, calling it “a covenant of survival” and “a rebirth of the Liberian state.”
“The Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement (ACPA) was Liberians choosing life over death, reconciliation over vengeance, and dialogue over destruction,” Dr. Joekai stated.
The ceremony served as a tribute to approximately 250,000 lost lives, and millions displaced during the conflict. It also recognized the critical role of international partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the United Nations, and the United States, in facilitating the peace and recovery process.
In his address, Dr. Joekai highlighted significant national progress achieved since the signing of the ACPA. He pointed to the security sector reform, which resulted in the disbandment and professional rebuilding of the Armed Forces of Liberia and the transformation of the Liberia National Police. He also acknowledged the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which renewed national calls for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. Furthermore, he cited progress in civil service and economic reform, including the implementation of merit-based recruitment, efforts to modernize the public sector, and a growing focus on job creation and equity.
Dr. Joekai emphasized the necessity of fostering a more inclusive national identity, urging for a “rewriting of Liberia’s history” that fully incorporates the experiences of both Americo-Liberian and Indigenous populations.
“Unless we confront the entrenched Americo-Indigenous divide, we cannot heal,” he asserted. “We must bridge it with honesty, inclusivity, and truth.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable development, Dr. Joekai pointed to President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. He urged a strategic national pivot from donor dependency toward economic self-reliance and investment.
“We must transition from aid to trade, from donors to investors, and negotiate agreements that prioritize Liberian jobs and resources,” he said.
Addressing contemporary challenges, Dr. Joekai called for a dual strategy to combat crime, combining robust law enforcement with socio-economic prevention measures such as youth empowerment and rehabilitation programs.
Speaking on the role of his institution, Dr. Joekai reaffirmed the Civil Service Agency’s commitment to supporting the nation’s peace and development through its core mandate. He stated that the CSA remains dedicated to institutionalizing a professional, merit-based public service that is efficient, transparent, and capable of driving the government’s development priorities, as embodied by the ARREST Agenda.