Ambassador John Ballout, Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, formally presented his letter of credence to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, on Wednesday.
Ballout, who is also accredited to Benin and Equatorial Guinea, made the presentation in Abuja. He pledged Liberia’s full support to ECOWAS and reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration.
A letter of credence is a diplomatic document issued to ambassadors before they assume official duties.
Ballout described his appointment as a great honor and vowed to remain actively involved in the work of the regional body.
He also pledged to leverage Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to promote Pan-Africanism and ECOWAS objectives.
“I am here on behalf of His Excellency, the President of Liberia, to convey his support for ECOWAS and its mandate,” Ballout said.
He expressed concern over ECOWAS’s decision to regulate domestic airline tariffs within the region, emphasizing that affordable air connectivity is essential for free movement and economic integration.
“Air transport is a vital part of ECOWAS’s efforts for free movement, trade, and connecting people and economies,” he stated.
The ambassador also highlighted the rising cases of drug abuse among West African youth and urged the Commission to expedite legislation for an ECOWAS Drug Enforcement Agency.
Having personally witnessed drug abuse’s devastation in Liberia, he warned that cross-border drug trafficking has overwhelmed individual member states’ capacities.
“None of us can handle this alone; we must work together and pool our resources,” Ballout added.
Regarding the ongoing border dispute involving Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, Ballout called for deeper engagement, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable solutions.
Upon receiving the credential, Touray congratulated Ballout and assured Liberia of ECOWAS’s support during his tenure.
“You can rely on me, the ECOWAS Commission, and other institutions,” he said.
Touray also announced that Guinea has agreed to host an ECOWAS technical delegation to address border issues, describing this as a positive step toward resolving tensions.
“The obstacles have been removed, and the technical team will visit Guinea soon,” he stated. He assured that the team would also address border concerns involving Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.
He promised to involve relevant departments in follow-up meetings for further clarity and updates.
The President welcomed this proposal, stating that the next meeting would deepen engagement on all issues raised by the Liberian envoy.
