Liberian President George Manneh Weah on Thursday spoke about his country’s democratic records, tracing the struggle of Liberians in strengthening and effectuating democracy for the shared benefits of all citizens and the rest of the world.

President Weah gave the remarks when he virtually joined other leaders for the 2nd United States’ Summit for Democracy two days after returning home from engagements in the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his statement, President Weah informed the global gathering that Liberia has successfully implemented every commitment aimed at strengthening and safeguarding democracy at home and abroad.

The president, at the first edition of the summit in 2021, pledged his administration’s unflinching commitment to the defense of democracy, the fight against corruption and the promotion of human rights and good governance.

He told the summit that his government continues to deliver on the commitments for media freedom and openness in legislative processes, as well as the elimination of harmful traditional practices.

Recounting further progress made in enhancing democracy, President Weah named the enactment of a landmark anti-corruption law, which he opined gives greater independence and autonomy to existing ant-corruption agencies.

“We have also enacted a new anti-money laundering law to fight illicit financial flows as well as drugs and terrorism financing,” the president said.

He added that Liberia has been consistent and steadfast on the path of democracy, recalling that new laws have been enacted to protect free speech and that the right to freedom of assembly has also been guaranteed.

“There have been no political prisoners or prisoners of conscience since the beginning of my administration more than five years ago,” President Weah emphasized.

He added: “Our democratic institutions, including the judiciary, continue to improve on their capacities to respect and protect the fundamental rights of citizens and residents, and to strengthen accountability, transparency and the rule of law.”

President Weah reminded the forum how, during his visit to Washington last December, he affirmed his commitment to free, fair, transparent and peaceful presidential and legislative elections in October this year—an exercise that, he said, will “strengthen our democratic credentials and showcase Liberia as a bastion of democracy in Africa”.