George Weah Highlights Liberia’s Path to the UN Security Council, Calls for Domestic Reform
Monrovia, Liberia — September 19, 2024 — In a comprehensive statement, the Office of Former President George Manneh Weah acknowledged the receipt of a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sarah Beysolow-Nyanti, regarding Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term. Former President Weah expressed gratitude for recognizing his efforts to promote peace and security, laying the groundwork for Liberia’s candidacy.
The former president voiced his unwavering support for Liberia’s ambition, emphasizing that its long-standing commitment to global peace underscores its bid. “Liberia has consistently played a vital role in peacekeeping efforts and stood as an emblem of resilience in the face of adversity,” said Weah, who served as Liberia’s president from 2018 to 2024.
The former president highlighted Liberia’s historical significance as Africa’s first independent republic and a founding member of the United Nations and the League of Nations. Liberia’s contributions to global peace efforts were central to its qualification for a seat on the UNSC, a campaign initiated by Weah during his presidency. “It was with these ideals in mind that I undertook several bilateral engagements, including seeking and securing endorsements from ECOWAS and the African Union for Liberia’s bid as a non-permanent member of the UNSC,” Weah noted.
Weah emphasized that Liberia received unanimous endorsement from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government, held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in July 2023. The African Union later reinforced this endorsement, recognizing Liberia’s significant role in peace promotion.
However, Weah also expressed concern over recent domestic developments that threaten the credibility of Liberia’s bid. He pointed to an incident on August 22, 2024, when the Liberia National Police raided the headquarters of his party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), without a search warrant, injuring several partisans. “Such unprovoked attacks on political party headquarters are alarming signs of the administration’s disregard for political freedoms, the rule of law, and national unity,” Weah remarked, adding that these actions contradict the principles upheld by the United Nations and the Security Council.
Former President Weah has called on the current government to address internal governance issues that could jeopardize Liberia’s international aspirations. “The government must restore its commitment to good governance, the protection of political freedoms, and the rule of law. Only by addressing these internal challenges can we present ourselves as a viable candidate for the Security Council,” he concluded.
The former president also cautioned against superficial gestures, such as photo-ops at international events, emphasizing that meaningful diplomatic actions and good governance are necessary for Liberia’s successful bid.
This statement serves as a reminder that Liberia’s global aspirations must be matched by domestic integrity and adherence to democratic principles.
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
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