The Government of Liberia dismisses reports that it lost its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council as baseless.
By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, Liberia, October 17, 2024—The Deputy Foreign Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, refutes media reports that Liberia has lost its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) following the election of five non-permanent members.
Recently, local media outlets and some individuals claimed that Liberia lost this bid because the West African country’s international presence is insufficient for an effective campaign for a UNSC seat.
However, during a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism in Monrovia on Tuesday, October 16, 2025, Dr. Nyei described these reports as misleading, noting that the allegation stems from individuals focusing solely on negative narratives about the Government of Liberia.
“On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I would like to inform you that our campaign for the seat on the UN General Security Council is well on course, and our path to entry is unstoppable,” he says.
Dr. Nyei clarifies that Liberia did not participate in any elections this year; rather, the circulating information pertains to the UNSC election that was conducted in June of this year.
“That election was conducted in June 2024, in which five countries were elected. Of these five countries, Mozambique will be vacating its seat at the end of this year, necessitating a replacement.”
He emphasizes that on September 27, Liberia officially launched its campaign at the UN headquarters in New York, utilizing the General Assembly to engage with all UN member states voting in the upcoming elections.
However, he says that currently, Liberia’s candidacy has garnered endorsements from the African Union and ECOWAS, and the government is receiving commitments from countries worldwide due to the foreign minister’s constant engagement.
“Since these members will be voting, we must campaign to get those votes, and that is what we have been doing,” he adds.
He expresses Liberia’s ambition to secure a non-permanent seat on the UNSC to lead global discussions on peace, security, climate change, and sustainable development.
“If we win the seat and become a member of the Security Council, which has only fifteen members—five permanent and ten rotating, this will demonstrate our competence and significance.”
He reiterates Liberia’s commitment to the mantra of “towards a just and peaceful world,” emphasizing that securing the seat would enhance the country’s visibility on the global stage and position it as a strategic partner for international engagement and business.
Dr. Nyei is optimistic that this success would signal to the world that Liberia has moved beyond its war-torn past. It is now a peaceful, progressive, and democratic nation, ready to contribute to global stability and peace, contrary to a negative campaign. Editing by Jonathan Browne
