Monrovia, Liberia: What has been described as a major reconciliatory approach by the government of Liberia towards healing the wounds of the just-ended polarized 2023 general elections in the country, an invitation has been extended to the former President of the Republic of Liberia, George Manneh Weah, to support the bid by Liberia for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
In a letter to the former president, Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti referenced that as the country gears up toward the official launch of its bid for the UNSC seat on September 27, the country recognizes the important role Weah played in laying the foundation for what promises to be a historic campaign.
“Your Excellency,” Nyanti wrote, “it was under your esteemed leadership that Liberia began the process for this bid. The foundation you laid is so important for our efforts, and we are confident that your support will amplify our campaign and bring it to a successful conclusion. Your role in maintaining peace during the recent elections has been widely recognized, solidifying your reputation as a Global Peace Ambassador.”
Minister Nyanti extended an invitation to Weah to join President Joseph Boakai, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee in garnering support for Liberia’s UNSC bid. “We will be highly honored if you can join these noble personalities in rallying support for Liberia’s UNSC seat,” she said.
She further asked Weah to record a short, one-minute video statement in support of Liberia’s bid, and to join the official launch at the UN House on September 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM. “Your message and presence would underline Liberia’s contribution to peace in the world, and your individual commitment as well to this cause,” she added.
Nyanti said the participation of Weah at this critical moment would double Liberian voices globally with the reassurance to the UN for its commitment to peace and stability.
Liberia on Path to UNSC
Liberia’s pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the UNSC, which is expected to start in 2026-2027, thus started with the Weah-Taylor administration. Weah, in his 2023 State of the Nation address, outlined one major diplomatic undertaking of the Government of Liberia as ensuring that this UNSC seat be captured. He stated that, to date, the candidature has obtained endorsements from the African Union’s 40th Ordinary Session in February 2022 and the African Group of Ambassadors at the United Nations.
“This will be a proud moment for our nation, as it shows that Liberia has finally been recognized as a country that can contribute to peace in the world,” Weah said in his speech. He went ahead to reflect on the journey of Liberia from a conflict-ridden country into one which is about to assume a seat in the UNSC, with the UN playing a very important role in restoring peace in the country through its UNMIL peacekeeping mission.
Appreciating Weah’s Contributions
In her letter, she singled out Weah for leading the charge to set the stage for Liberia’s UNSC bid. “We go into this official launch cognizant of the enormous role you played in this historic pursuit,” she wrote.
Nyanti also recognized Liberia’s commitment to world peace when it said that the country is a founding member of the UN and its former non-permanent member in the UNSC in 1961. Since the end of the civil war in 2003, Liberia entered the fold of being a contributor to international peacekeeping herself.
She expressed deep gratitude to Weah on behalf of the government for his continued commitment to peace, while ensuring his global status as an ambassador of peace has been leveraged to consolidate Liberia’s position in the comity of nations.
A Step Towards National Healing
Political analysts say this move by the government could mark the beginning of reconciliation after the hard-fought election. The opposition Congress for Democratic Change, headed by ex-President Weah, has constantly accused the Unity Party government of disrespecting their leader, an example being when he was denied VIP access at Roberts International Airport.
Tensions have mounted over the past days, as security forces raided a neighborhood near CDC headquarters based on a defective search warrant and clashed with party supporters who had gathered at the scene, leaving several people injured.
Matthew Jacobs is a photojournalist with a keen focus on Liberian politics and economics. With a background in photojournalism, he has covered major developments in Liberia and the surrounding region for over a decade. Matthew is known for his in-depth analysis and ability to bring complex issues to the public in a clear and engaging manner. As a lead reporter for Kukatonon News, he provides critical insights into governmental affairs, fiscal policies, and their impact on the lives of everyday citizens.