By Danlette G. Washington

Liberia, West African has been elected to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country.

The country received 181 votes from member states, well above the required 129. This marks Liberia’s return to the Council for the first time since a partial term in 1961 and reflects the country’s growing global relevance and restored international standing.

The announcement was met with celebration at home and among Liberians in the diaspora. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., addressed the nation following the election, calling it a new chapter in Liberia’s global engagement. In his address, the President expressed gratitude to the United Nations and all member states that supported Liberia’s bid, calling the moment one of honor and humility for Africa’s oldest republic.

President Boakai emphasized that this achievement is not just a political win, but a symbol of Liberia’s perseverance and a tribute to generations who have held firm to values of freedom, self-governance, and international solidarity. Referencing Liberia’s foundational role in the United Nations and the League of Nations, he noted the country’s long standing engagement in global affairs, even through difficult times.

The President honored the legacy of Ambassador Angie Brooks-Randolph, the first African female President of the UN General Assembly, and President William R. Tolbert Jr., who championed the voice of Africa in global peace efforts. 

Moreover, he paid tribute to the 202 United Nations peacekeepers who died during Liberia’s civil conflict, thanking the UN, ECOWAS, and the African Union for their role in Liberia’s peace process.

Today, Liberia stands as a democracy that has held multiple peaceful elections and transitioned power without conflict. According to President Boakai, the country’s election to the Security Council affirms its credibility and readiness to contribute to international peace and decision-making. Unlike its partial term in 1961, this full term represents Liberia’s complete reentry as a stable and reliable global actor.

The election victory followed months of intense diplomatic work led by Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, with support from the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. 

Ambassador Lewis Brown, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, was in New York during the election. Also in attendance were Montserrado County lawmaker Abraham Darius Dillon and Eminent Emmanuel Wettee, chairman of the All Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD). Their presence highlighted the national significance of the moment and the support of both the government and diaspora.

At home, Liberians gathered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to watch the voting process live. President Boakai, First Lady Kartumu Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, and other government officials joined citizens to witness the event. The atmosphere was one of pride and unity. 

President Boakia outlined Liberia’s priorities on the Council as advocating for peace and security, supporting reform in peacekeeping missions, promoting the protection of civilians, and representing the interests of Africa and the Global South.

Drawing from Liberia’s own post-conflict experience, the President said the country would be a principled and dependable voice in addressing global challenges such as conflict, climate change, terrorism, and development inequality.

Additionally, the President acknowledged that Liberia’s rise to this position is the result of generations of hard work and sacrifice. He named past leaders such as Joseph Jenkins Roberts, Edwin Barclay, William V.S. Tubman, William R. Tolbert, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, as well as countless unsung heroes whose efforts paved the way for this moment. He called on all Liberians to unite in making the country’s term on the Council a success and to view the opportunity as one of collaboration and growth.

Liberia will officially begin its two-year term on January 1, 2026. The United Nations Security Council is made up of five permanent members with veto power; China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. 

Liberia will serve alongside other elected countries, offering its voice, history, and experience to global decision-making at the highest level.

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