Monrovia – Liberia has secured an important victory by winning a seat as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term. But while President Joseph Nyuma Boakai celebrated the achievement and acknowledged past national leaders in his acceptance speech, his omission of immediate past President George Weah—the man widely credited with initiating the UNSC bid—has stirred political and public debate.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972), [email protected]
During his speech, President Boakai praised Liberia’s longstanding contributions to global diplomacy, citing the nation’s membership in the League of Nations and its role as a founding member of the United Nations. He honored former Presidents Joseph Jenkins Roberts, Edwin Barclay, William V.S. Tubman, William R. Tolbert, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, but made no mention of former President George Weah.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants… This moment is the fruit of their labor and prayers,” President Boakai declared.
“To all Liberians at home and abroad, this victory is yours. Let us rally together to make this tenure a success. When Liberia sits at the Council, it will be your hopes, resilience, and dreams that she will carry.”
President Boakai also lauded the tireless work of Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the UN, as well as campaign teams in New York, Monrovia, and Addis Ababa, for securing the victory.
A Vision That Started Under Weah
Liberia’s successful bid can be traced back to 2023 under the leadership of then-President George Weah. His administration formally secured the endorsement of the African Union during its 43rd Ordinary Session in Nairobi, Kenya, and later received support from ECOWAS following Weah’s diplomatic visit to Bissau.
However, Weah’s re-election bid in October 2023 was unsuccessful, ending his presidency and leaving the UNSC campaign in the hands of the incoming Boakai administration.
After taking office in January 2024, President Boakai continued the pursuit of the UNSC seat. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs intensified diplomatic efforts both locally and internationally to build support for Liberia’s candidature.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
Despite the shared objective, tensions flared between the Boakai administration and former President Weah. In a bid to promote unity, Foreign Minister Nyanti wrote to Weah in September 2024, acknowledging his foundational role in the campaign and urging him to lend his support.
“Your Excellency, it was under your esteemed leadership that the process for Liberia’s bid for the non-permanent seat on the UNSC began… Your role in maintaining peace in Liberia during the recent elections has been widely recognized, cementing your status as a Global Peace Ambassador,” the letter read.
But shortly after, Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Daniel Sando publicly dismissed the need for Weah’s involvement, stating the former president’s international standing held little influence.
“The government does not require former President Weah’s support… The status of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is far greater than that of former President Weah,” Sando declared at a press briefing.
The remarks drew swift criticism from Weah’s office, which described Sando’s comments as “juvenile and disingenuous,” warning that such divisive rhetoric could undermine national unity and the country’s international image.
“Such behavior points to an apparent schism in the government that poses a risk to the bid,” Weah’s office stated. Still, the former president reaffirmed his support for Liberia’s campaign.
Former Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah also confirmed Weah’s continued support despite the tensions.
Nyanti Recognizes Weah’s Role
Though President Boakai did not mention Weah in his address, Foreign Minister Nyanti was more forthcoming in acknowledging the former leader’s role.
“The previous administration had this vision but didn’t get the opportunity to implement it,” she said. “We told them this vision would not die. We carried the torch forward. We exhausted every effort, and we said—with or without anyone’s approval—we will go.”
Nyanti recounted the difficulties faced during the campaign, including a brief challenge from Nigeria, which ultimately chose not to compete against Liberia.
“This wasn’t just about having a sponsor—it was about building relationships with every country,” she said. “They had to believe in us, trust us, and see us as capable of representing their voices on the Security Council.”
A Moment of Unity?
While the omission of former President Weah from the President’s speech has triggered discussion, Liberia’s victory remains a shared national achievement. The diplomatic milestone stands as a testament to sustained bipartisan efforts and the nation’s growing stature on the global stage.
Whether the symbolic snub further deepens political divides—or prompts reflection on national unity—remains to be seen.
