Liberia has been elected to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term, a major diplomatic victory that repositions the West African nation on the global stage after more than six decades.
In an official press statement issued from the Executive Mansion, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. described the achievement as “a new chapter in Liberia’s global engagement,” hailing the moment as a tribute to the resilience, vision, and international relevance of the Liberian people.
“This is a moment of honor and humility for our 178-year-old republic,” President Boakai said. “Our election symbolizes African perseverance and celebrates generations of Liberians who held firm to freedom, self-governance, and global solidarity.”
The President extended gratitude to United Nations Member States for their confidence in Liberia and used the occasion to recall the country’s proud legacy, from being Africa’s first independent republic to a founding member of the UN. He paid homage to trailblazers such as Ambassador Angie Brooks-Randolph and the late President William R. Tolbert, Jr., for helping define Liberia’s early global image.
He emphasized that Liberia’s election reflects its transformation from war and political instability to peace, democracy, and international cooperation.
“Unlike our partial term in 1961, today’s election is a testament to our nation’s journey toward peace and reconciliation,” Boakai said. “It affirms Liberia as a credible and relevant voice on the world stage.”
However, the President’s statement made no mention of the efforts of previous administrations, particularly former President George Manneh Weah, whose diplomatic engagements and international outreach also contributed to Liberia’s growing credibility in global affairs. Under President Weah, Liberia maintained robust ties with multilateral institutions, participated in peacekeeping dialogues, and pushed for greater African representation in global decision-making, a foundation that likely helped set the stage for this election.
While many welcomed the symbolism and promise of Boakai’s statement, some critics and analysts noted that the omission of recent past leadership risked undermining the spirit of national unity at a moment when Liberia stands to represent the continent and the Global South.
Nevertheless, President Boakai outlined a forward-looking and values-driven agenda for Liberia’s term on the Security Council, prioritizing:
Conflict prevention and peacebuilding Civilian protection, with emphasis on women and children Reform of peacekeeping operations Addressing climate-related insecurity Promoting inclusive diplomacy based on Liberia’s historic values of freedom and humility.
“We are not just participating, we are ready to lead and to serve,” Boakai declared.
The President commended Foreign Minister Hon. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the UN, and the campaign teams based in New York, Monrovia, and Addis Ababa for their strategic coordination and relentless diplomatic effort throughout the election process.
He further announced plans for nationwide consultations with youth and women to help shape Liberia’s priorities during its tenure, stressing that the country’s voice on the Council must reflect the hopes and dreams of its citizens.
Liberia will officially assume its two-year term on the 15-member Security Council on January 1, 2026. This will be the first time Liberia has served a full term on the Council since 1961. Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly and play a vital role in responding to global crises and shaping decisions on peace and security.
The election is widely seen as a major diplomatic win for the Boakai administration, aligning with its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. But as Liberia steps into a more prominent global role, some are calling for a more unified national narrative, one that recognizes both past and present efforts that brought the country to this moment.
