Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has lauded Gambian leader, Adama Barrow for his visit to Liberia with renewed commitment to promote and strengthen the work of ECOWAS. 

According to an Executive Mansion release, the two leaders made the statement at a Joint Press Stakeout on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the Robert International Airport in Lower Margibi County shortly before his departure. She thanked the Gambian leader for the visit and prayed for god bountiful blessing upon him and the people of The Gambia.

In brief remarks, President Barrow said he was pleased to be in Liberia to appreciate the Liberian leader, who as current Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS rallied Member States to peacefully resolve the political impasse, which followed the December 7, 2016 elections that led to the defeat of longtime leader, Yaya Jammeh.

“I came here to say a very big thank you to Madam President,” the Gambian leader noted while acknowledging that as Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority, President Sirleaf along with other leaders of the region played a leading role aimed at resolving the political crisis in The Gambia.

On the pressing needs of the people of The Gambia, President Barrow noted on the issue of job-creation for Gambians that are leaving the country and travelling on dangerous journey from Africa to Europe in search of greener pasture.

At the Airport to bid the Gambian leader farewell were Guinean Ambassador to Liberia, Abdoulaye Dorri, Doyen of the Diplomatic and Counselor Corps accredited to Liberia, Information Minister, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, citizens of Gambia residing in Liberia, and host of others.

Monrovia – The President of Liberia and Chairperson of the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS Authority, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has sent a congratulatory message to the President-Elect of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow.

The congratulatory message in part said, “On behalf of the Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS Authority, and in my own name, I extend to you and through Your Excellency, to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, warmest congratulations on the occasion of your election to the presidency of your great country.”

President Sirleaf applauded the people of The Gambia for the peaceful conduct of the elections which ushered in a new political dispensation that marks a historic democratic transition there.

The Chair of ECOWAS Authority hoped that as President-Elect Barrow assumes the herculean responsibility of leading his people, The Gambia will continue to play a prominent role in the ECOWAS region, in collaboration with other Member States, as they work together to further strengthen deeper cooperation in the sub-region, and in fostering regional peace and security.

She prayed that the Almighty God will endow President-Elect Barrow with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to nobler heights.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Liberia’s President Sirleaf, also Chair of ECOWAS Authority, on behalf of her colleagues, extended warmest congratulations to His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Yahya Abdul-azziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh Babila Mansa, and through him, the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia for the peaceful, transparent and fair conduct of the presidential and general elections held under his watch, which will result into a historic political transition in that country.

“You will be remembered by the ECOWAS region, Africa and the world as a whole, for your patriotic acceptance of the election results which reflect the will of Allah and the people of The Gambia,” the special message stressed, adding, “By your voluntary concession, you have set a very high standard for emulation by all incumbent and future leaders in Africa and the world at large.”

President Sirleaf prayed that as His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Yahya Abdul-azziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh Babila Mansa transitions to private life, the Almighty Allah will endow him with the strength he needs for his continued contribution to development of his country.