UN envoy discusses security in Liberia with Benin’s President

Security in Liberia topped the agenda of talks today in Monrovia between the senior United Nations envoy to the West African country and the President of Benin, who pledged support in restoring stability there.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative, Alan Doss, and President Yayi Boni also discussed the issue of jobs creation during their meeting at the headquarters of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

Mr. Boni commended UNMIL for helping to establish peace in Liberia and urged the mission to maintain this momentum, pledging Benin’s support for efforts to stabilize Liberia and the wider region.

“We are prepared to send military engineers to Liberia and eager to set up partnerships with the private sector in this country,” he said.

A key concern is promoting employment opportunities, especially for youth, who during Liberia’s long-running civil war often found themselves conscripted into military service.

Reviewing progress, Mr. Doss noted that presently Liberia’s Government is stable and the country’s security forces are in the process of being restructured.

“UNMIL will not leave before the national security services are ready to take over the job,” he said, stressing that Liberia faces serious challenges ahead.