By: Moses Gwee Jr
Monrovia – Liberia has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone by securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term. The West African nation ran unopposed for the seat allocated to its regional grouping and garnered 181 votes, well above the 128-vote threshold required for election during voting held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The announcement was met with widespread celebration in Liberia. President Joseph N. Boakai, along with senior government officials, watched the proceedings live from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia. The event drew a large gathering of cabinet ministers, lawmakers, and diplomats, who assembled to witness the historic occasion as it was broadcast on large screens.
Liberia’s successful bid was the result of a concerted diplomatic effort led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The campaign focused on strengthening ties with regional and international partners, leveraging support from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other multilateral organizations. Notably, the initiative received cross-party support at home, reflecting an uncommon level of national unity in foreign policy.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti played a central role in galvanizing international support, traveling extensively to promote Liberia’s candidacy. Her efforts were backed by both the government and opposition leaders, marking a unified front in promoting Liberia’s interests on the global stage.
This victory marks Liberia’s second time serving on the Security Council, the first being in the 1960s. The return to the council represents a renewed opportunity for the country to influence key decisions on matters of global peace, security, and conflict resolution. It also signals Liberia’s emergence as a credible voice in international diplomacy following years of political and economic rebuilding.
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Liberia will participate in high-level deliberations on global crises, sanctions regimes, and peacekeeping mandates. Its tenure offers a platform to advocate for African interests and to contribute constructively to the maintenance of international peace and security.
