Weah Delivers Scathing Rebuke: Calls Out Government’s Self-Sabotage in UN Security Council Push
Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has unleashed a sharp criticism of the Liberian government, accusing key ministries of sabotaging the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Weah expressed his frustration over the conflicting actions and statements from the administration, branding them as counterproductive and damaging to Liberia’s international standing.
In a strongly worded statement, signed by his Chief of Staff, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, President Weah highlighted the contradictions within the government, where one ministry praises his past efforts for Liberia’s UNSC bid while another launches a public attack. “The spokesman of the government at the Ministry of Information went on a juvenile, sophomoric rant… in a vain attempt to denigrate former President Weah,” the statement read. He pointed out the glaring inconsistency between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ formal communication acknowledging his contributions and the Ministry of Information’s unwarranted invectives.
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) regular press briefing Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando addressed reports circulating in the media regarding former President George Weah’s involvement in Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Sando firmly stated that the Government of Liberia does not hold any special interest in former President Weah’s participation and emphasized that his opinion carries no extra weight compared to other prominent Liberians.
Weah condemned the disarray as “disingenuous behavior” and emphasized that it reveals a fractured government. “Such disingenuous behavior… points to an apparent schism in the ranks and a duality of policy in government that in themselves pose a risk to the bid,” Weah asserted, warning that this lack of coordination threatens Liberia’s chances at securing the highly coveted seat on the UNSC.
The former president was particularly concerned that these internal contradictions would erode the credibility needed for the bid. He reminded the nation of the foundational principles that the UNSC represents, such as good governance, the rule of law, and the protection of freedoms—values that the current administration seems to be undermining. He cited a recent raid on the headquarters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) by state security forces, calling it an “unprovoked attack” that flouted political freedoms and endangered national unity.
“Regrettably, the current domestic landscape presents challenges that could undermine and derail the essence of our bid,” Weah warned. He stressed that the government’s increasing disregard for democracy and its misuse of state resources to target political opponents could backfire, eroding both domestic stability and international trust.
The administration’s actions, Weah argued, are directly at odds with the ideals Liberia must project to the global community. “Instead of fostering reconciliation and unification, the administration is fueling division and retribution,” he stated, underscoring how this internal turmoil threatens to unravel the diplomatic efforts Liberia has worked so hard to consolidate.
Weah concluded by urging the government to address these internal contradictions if Liberia is to stand any chance of success on the global stage. He called for genuine action rather than superficial gestures, stating, “Perfunctory and superficial publicity stunts such as a photo-op at the UN headquarters… is not what is required, but firm and genuine actions of diplomacy and good governance.”
With Liberia’s UNSC bid hanging in the balance, Weah’s pointed critique serves as a wake-up call to the government to align its actions with its international ambitions, before it sabotages its own chances.
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.
Now residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, he keeps connecting with readers across continents with his perceptive journalism and sharing his viewpoint. He is well-respected in the sector because of his unwavering commitment to honesty and morality, which sets him apart in the field.
Orlind's work is more than simply his job; it's a dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating unsung tales, and advancing the worldwide conversation on important concerns. His goal as a journalist is to use the media's power to change the world, not just to disseminate information. He is a key player in modern journalism because of the inspiration, education, and engagement that his work consistently provides.