Dakar, Senegal – His Excellency Mr. Ali Sylla, Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Senegal, has officially presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal. The presentation ceremony took place on May 15, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Dakar.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Sylla conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. to President Faye, and underscored the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two nations dating back to the 1960s. He recalled Liberia’s hospitality to thousands of Senegalese nationals during that period and noted that Senegal once operated an embassy in Monrovia at the ambassadorial level.
He acknowledged the enduring presence of a vibrant Senegalese community in Liberia and expressed gratitude to the Government of Senegal for its role in the peacekeeping efforts during Liberia’s civil wars, particularly its contribution to the ECOWAS mission.
Ambassador Sylla emphasized Liberia’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations and used the occasion to solicit Senegal’s support for Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
He also briefed President Faye on President Boakai’s flagship governance and development framework, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. The Ambassador explained that the agenda aims to promote inclusivity, sustainability, good governance, transparency, and equal opportunities for all Liberians—especially women and youth.
He highlighted the alignment of the ARREST Agenda with key international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and ECOWAS Vision 2050, signaling Liberia’s commitment to regional and global development goals.
Ambassador Sylla expressed Liberia’s hope for Senegal’s support in helping the country implement the ARREST Agenda effectively through bilateral cooperation and private sector engagement.
In response, President Faye congratulated Ambassador Sylla on his new assignment and praised Liberia for its political stability, citing four peaceful democratic transitions of power as a model for the region.
He reiterated Senegal’s commitment to regional peace and stability and noted his role within ECOWAS in promoting integration and cooperation. President Faye expressed appreciation to President Boakai for the invitation to last year’s Independence Day celebration in Liberia, while regretting his inability to attend due to scheduling constraints.
President Faye instructed the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs to work closely with the private sector and align development initiatives with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda. He encouraged the Government of Liberia, through Ambassador Sylla, to submit proposals outlining specific areas where Senegal can provide support.
The presentation ceremony was attended by senior Senegalese officials, including Her Excellency Madam Yaccine Fall, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs; the Presidential Advisor on Foreign Affairs; and the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation.
