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It was a moment of joy and excitement across the country when the results were announced. After more than 60 years, Liberia was once again elected to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
In 1961, under the leadership of the ex-Liberian president, Williams V. S. Tubman now deceased, Liberia was first elected to the UN Security Council
Members of the government, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his wife, gathered in the conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to witness live on screen as the votes were taken at the United Nations headquarters in New York, United States of America.
This gathering also includes the Vice President, Jeremiah Koung, the President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Madam Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, members of the Liberian Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, members of the House of Representatives, and heads of government ministries and agencies.
Everyone was seen wearing a white T-shirt bearing the country’s seal and the inscription “Liberia 4 UNSC.”
On June 3, 2025, Liberia was among five countries elected to the United Nations Security Council for the second time, following its last appearance in 1961.
The elections, which are held annually by secret ballots, are conducted based on regional groups per seat, and candidates must secure a two-thirds majority in the 193-member General Assembly to be elected.
Based on this criterion, Liberia was seeking just 129 votes, but the country obtained an overwhelming mandate by receiving 181 votes, surpassing the target number required for election.
Road to Liberia’s UNSCS victory
In late September, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai launched Liberia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member.
During his speech delivered at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Liberian leader disclosed that Liberia is a strong voice on the continent, and as such, Liberia deserves a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Following the launch of the bid, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai set up a national Steering Committee comprised of the Ministers of Justice and defence, the president’s National Security Advisor, and the youth and student community to lead the charge in ensuring that the country gets the seat.
Since the bid for the seat was launched, the country, through its Foreign Ministry, has not rested in ensuring that Liberia becomes victorious in its quest to win the seat.
Liberia’s foreign minister, Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, rallied Africa’s support to ensure that Liberia won the election. The Liberian foreign minister visited several African countries, including Mali and Saudi Arabia.
What is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the highest decision-making body of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security worldwide.
The United Nations Security Council consists of fifteen countries. Five are permanent members, and ten are non-permanent members.
The United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom are the five permanent members known as the P5, and any of them can veto a resolution.
In comparison, the Council’s ten elected members are called non-permanent members. They are elected every two years, but with a nonconsecutive term. They are also not afforded veto power.
The five newly elected non-permanent members, Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia, will join Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia to complete the total of ten non-pertmanent members at the UN Security Council.
The United Nations Security Council seeks to address threats to international security, to foster negotiations, impose sanctions, and authorise the use of force, including the deployment of peacekeeping missions.
What does this mean for Liberia?
Following Liberia’s election to the UNSC, President Boakai hailed the victory as a new chapter in Liberia’s global engagement and a tribute to the Liberian people’s resilience and international vision.
Addressing the country after the votes were taken and Liberia was announced the winner, the Liberian President said, “This is a moment of honour and humility for our 178-year-old republic. Our election symbolises African perseverance and celebrates generations of Liberians who held firm to freedom, self-governance, and global solidarity.”
President Boakai extends profound thanks and appreciation to the United Nations Member States for their confidence in Liberia’s ability to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Recounting Liberia’s journey from over 14 years of civil unrest to democratic stability, the Liberian head of State, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, stressed that the UNSC election validates the country’s commitment to peace, reconciliation, and international cooperation.
President Boakai said, “Unlike our partial term in 1961, today’s election is a testament to our nation’s journey toward peace and reconciliation,” he said. “It affirms Liberia as a credible and relevant voice on the world stage.”
What does Liberia stand to benefit?
As a member of the UN Security Council, it offers significant prestige and influence in international affairs. It provides a platform to shape global policy, influence decisions on peace and security, and exert leadership on matters of international concern.
The UN Security Council oversees UN peacekeeping operations and political missions, giving members a voice in these initiatives. Membership can enhance a country’s international standing and influence its interactions with other nations.
As a UN Security Council member, Liberia will have the authority to engage in international dialogue, address global challenges, and promote multilateral cooperation.
How do Liberians view this victory?
Since the results of the just-ended election that placed Liberia on the UN Security Council were announced, Liberians have not held back their joy and congratulations.
This news received massive media publicity, appeared on the front pages of almost all the local dailies, and became the topic of discussion within every intellectual centre and street corner across the country’s capital and beyond.
Screenshot of some local dailies’ front pages.
Ex-Liberian President George Weah took to his official Facebook to congratulate the Liberian government on winning the seat, adding that the victory marks a very proud moment in the country’s history.
The former Liberian leader said, “When we began this journey, the goal was clear: to claim Liberia’s rightful place on the world stage and advance global peace and security. Now, with this opportunity, we reaffirm our commitment to championing these ideals while advocating tirelessly for Liberia. I call on all Liberians to use this landmark achievement to work in the collective interest of our common patrimony, Liberia.”
Alexander Cummings, a two-time presidential candidate in Liberia, said this is a proud and historic moment for Liberia.
The Alternative National Congress (ANC) political leader said that now more than ever, Liberia has a platform to champion peace, security, and development not just for Liberia, but for Africa and the world.
