Liberia is in the final stages of an intensive diplomatic campaign to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a prestigious position that would grant the West African nation significant influence in global peace and security decision-making. The election, scheduled for June 2025 during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, will determine five non-permanent members to serve two-year terms commencing January 1, 2026. Liberia is vying for one of the two seats allocated to the African Group, facing no formal opposition from other African nations, a factor that has boosted the country’s confidence in securing the coveted position. The final leg of the campaign, concluding on May 27, 2025, has seen Liberia deploy high-level envoys across the globe to solidify support for its bid.
Liberia’s campaign, orchestrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the leadership of Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has been a year-long, coordinated effort. The campaign’s coordination has been spearheaded by Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis G. Brown, supported by an advisory team comprised of four former foreign ministers, who bring a wealth of experience and diplomatic acumen to the endeavor. This team has been instrumental in engaging international stakeholders and aligning the campaign’s messaging with the President’s Office. The strategic deployment of experienced diplomats underscores the importance Liberia places on securing the UNSC seat.
The campaign’s global reach is evidenced by the strategic dispatch of prominent figures to key countries. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a globally respected figure, undertook a mission to Sudan, carrying a special message of support, further highlighting Liberia’s commitment to peace and security in the region. Concurrently, former Foreign Minister Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh, accompanied by Assistant Minister Sorrie Kabbah Jones, engaged with the President of Gabon, demonstrating Liberia’s focus on securing regional support. Former Foreign Minister Gbehzohngar Findley led missions to Croatia and the Comoros, delivering letters from the Liberian President, while Dr. Abraham Jan leveraged the platform of the African Union Summit in Brussels to garner bilateral support for Liberia’s candidacy.
Liberia’s bid for the UNSC seat is rooted in its historical contributions to peace and diplomacy, both within Africa and on the global stage. As a founding member of both the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU), Liberia seeks to reclaim its prominent role in multilateral diplomacy. The country’s commitment to peace and security is further underscored by its own experience of emerging from civil conflict, providing a unique perspective on post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding. This experience, coupled with Liberia’s long-standing commitment to international cooperation, makes a compelling case for its inclusion on the UNSC.
A successful bid for the UNSC seat would not only be a victory for Liberia but also for the African continent and the broader international community. It would represent a recognition of Liberia’s progress and its potential to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security discussions. The country’s presence on the UNSC would provide a platform to amplify African voices and perspectives on critical global issues, fostering greater inclusivity and representativeness within the council’s deliberations. Liberia’s commitment to multilateralism and its experience in navigating complex political landscapes position it as a valuable contributor to the UNSC’s mission.
The outcome of the June election holds significant implications for Liberia’s future role in international affairs. A seat on the UNSC would elevate Liberia’s diplomatic standing, providing an opportunity to shape global policy and advocate for issues of importance to developing nations, particularly within Africa. It would also provide a platform to promote Liberia’s national interests and contribute to the broader goals of peace, security, and sustainable development. Liberia’s active and strategic campaign underscores the country’s determination to contribute meaningfully to the global stage and reaffirm its commitment to international cooperation.
