– While Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee champions the Cause
Monrovia, Liberia — September 19, 2024: As Liberia officially launches its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term, former President George Manneh Weah has issued a statement acknowledging the efforts and support of the current administration while also emphasizing the need for internal reforms to align with the principles of the Security Council.
The Office of the Former President received a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sarah Beysolow-Nyanti, recognizing Weah’s significant contributions towards maintaining peace and security, which have laid the groundwork for Liberia’s bid. Former President Weah expressed his enduring support for initiatives that promote the interests of the Liberian people and elevate the nation’s standing on the global stage.
“Liberia’s aspiration for a seat on the United Nations Security Council is a testament to our historical commitment to peace, both at home and abroad,” Weah stated. He highlighted Liberia’s consistent role in peacekeeping efforts, its emblematic resilience, and its historical support for the independence of other African nations. As Africa’s first independent republic and a founding member of the United Nations, Liberia has played pivotal roles in promoting global peace and stability.
Weah recounted his diplomatic efforts, including securing endorsements from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) for Liberia’s bid. During the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in July 2023, Liberia was unanimously endorsed as the sole candidate representing the ECOWAS region for the UNSC non-permanent seat. This endorsement was later reinforced by the AU, signifying Liberia’s trusted voice in international affairs.
However, Weah expressed concerns about the current domestic political climate, which he believes could undermine Liberia’s bid. He cited a recent incident on August 22, 2024, where the Liberia National Police raided the headquarters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) without a search warrant, using live ammunition and injuring several partisans. Weah condemned the attack as a violation of political freedoms and the rule of law, principles that are fundamental to the UNSC’s mission.
Following the incident, Weah communicated with Omar Alieu Turay, President of the ECOWAS Commission, urging diplomatic intervention to protect Liberia’s democracy. He also criticized the government’s inconsistent stance, noting that while one ministry acknowledged his contributions, another engaged in disrespectful rhetoric.
Weah emphasized that Liberia’s internal actions must reflect the values it seeks to promote globally. “To credibly pursue this seat and put Liberia on its rightful place on the international pedestal at the UNSC, the government must restore its commitment to good governance, the protection of political freedoms, and the rule of law,” he said.
He called for genuine diplomatic efforts and good governance, rather than superficial publicity stunts, to bolster Liberia’s candidacy. “Perfunctory and superficial publicity stunts such as a photo-op at the UN headquarters on September 27, 2024, are not what is required, but firm and genuine actions of diplomacy and good governance,” Weah concluded.
As Liberia moves forward with its bid for a seat on the UNSC, the former President’s statement serves as a reminder that the nation’s internal actions must align with the principles of peace, justice, and democracy that the United Nations upholds.
Meanwhile, Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee previously expressed her support for the Government of Liberia’s bid for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council. In a statement, Gbowee emphasized the significant role the United Nations played in mitigating the conflict in Liberia during the pivotal year of 2003.
“I am honored to support the government of Liberia in their bid for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council,” Gbowee said. She highlighted that securing this seat would enable Liberia to continue its contributions to global peace and conflict resolution—efforts that have been a cornerstone of the nation’s recovery and development.
The United Nations’ intervention in 2003 was crucial in abating the civil war in Liberia, leading to a period of relative stability and reconstruction. Gbowee, an influential peace activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, underscored that Liberia’s presence on the Security Council would be a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering peace, both regionally and globally.
A Non-Permanent Seat on the Security Council would allow Liberia to actively participate in addressing international security challenges and promote the principles of peace and conflict resolution that have been diligently nurtured by its citizens.
The bid reflects Liberia’s aspiration to play a more prominent role on the world stage, leveraging its hard-earned experiences in conflict resolution and peacebuilding to contribute to global stability.
