Liberia’s triumphant election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) marks a significant milestone in the nation’s history and its re-emergence as a prominent actor on the global stage. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., in a national address following the overwhelming victory, emphasized the inclusivity that will define Liberia’s voice at the Council, pledging to represent the diverse tapestry of the Liberian population. This commitment to inclusivity will be actively pursued through nationwide consultations with women and youth, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into Liberia’s contributions on the world stage. This victory is not merely a national achievement, but a testament to Africa’s resilience and Liberia’s unwavering dedication to peace, self-governance, and international collaboration.
President Boakai framed this accomplishment as the dawn of a new era in Liberia’s global engagement, opening doors to expanded growth, collaborative partnerships, and substantial progress. He called upon all Liberians to unite in this endeavor, working collectively to forge a brighter future for their nation and the world. The UNSC seat serves as a powerful symbol of Africa’s perseverance and Liberia’s enduring commitment to peacebuilding, reflecting its journey from conflict to stability. This victory resonates with the legacy of prominent Liberian figures like Ambassador Angie Brooks-Randolph, the first female President of the UN General Assembly, and President William R. Tolbert Jr., a staunch advocate for global peace anchored in African justice and freedom.
The President acknowledged the crucial support provided by the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union in Liberia’s peacebuilding efforts, paying tribute to the UN peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. Liberia’s successful transition to a functioning democracy, marked by successive peaceful elections and historic transfers of power, underscores its renewed credibility and relevance in international affairs. Unlike its first partial term on the UNSC in 1961, which occurred amidst political complexities, this election signifies the nation’s remarkable progress toward peace and reconciliation, positioning it to contribute meaningfully to global peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
President Boakai pledged Liberia’s commitment to being a principled and dependable voice on the UNSC, particularly in a world grappling with instability, conflict, terrorism, climate insecurity, and inequality. Drawing upon its own experiences of reconciliation and nation-building, Liberia will champion conflict prevention, support peacekeeping reforms, and advocate for the protection of civilians, especially vulnerable populations like women and children. He further reiterated Liberia’s commitment to expanding its role as a troop-contributing country to UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its dedication to international security.
Furthermore, President Boakai affirmed Liberia’s solidarity with the global South and its commitment to bridge-building diplomacy, grounded in the values of humility, honesty, and freedom. He acknowledged the contributions of past Liberian leaders, from Joseph Jenkins Roberts and Edwin Barclay to William V.S. Tubman, William R. Tolbert, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, recognizing their roles in preserving the nation’s spirit through adversity. This victory, he emphasized, is the culmination of their labor and prayers and belongs to all Liberians, both at home and abroad. The President urged national unity to ensure a successful tenure on the UNSC, promising to carry the hopes, resilience, and dreams of all Liberians when representing the nation at the Council.
Finally, President Boakai expressed his gratitude to Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Ambassador Lewis Browne, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and the dedicated campaign teams in New York, Monrovia, and Addis Ababa. He lauded their tireless efforts in securing this significant achievement, which opens a new chapter in Liberia’s global engagement and positions the nation to contribute significantly to international peace and security. Liberia’s election to the UNSC signifies not just a return to the global stage, but a return with a renewed sense of purpose, commitment to peace, and a determination to amplify the voices of its diverse populace.
