By: Ben TC Brooks| River Gee Correspondent & Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay| Contributing Writer
New York – Wednesday, June 3, 2025 – Liberia has reached a pivotal achievement by securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council under the leadership of the Joseph Nyumah Boakai Unity Party.
This came after Liberia has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with 181 votes following a historic and landmark electoral process held Tuesday June 3, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA.
The term for this position will commence on January 1, 2026, and conclude at the end of 2027.
The West African country garnered an impressive 181 votes from 187 member states in an uncontested election, marking its first return to the Security Council in 64 years since its last election in 1961 during which time the country split its two years term with the Republic of Ireland.
In this election held on June 3, 2025, alongside Liberia, Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Latvia were also awarded non-permanent memberships. These nations will take on their roles starting January 2026.
Although all 193-member states of the UN are entitled to equal representation in the General Assembly, only 15 countries can serve on the Security Council, five of which are permanent members with veto powers, and ten non-permanent members serve rotational terms of two years each. Africa has two seats on a non-permanent basis. The African Union unanimously endorsed Liberia to represent Africa during the 2026-2027 term.
They will join the five non-permanent members elected last year: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia, who are set to serve until the end of 2026.
The Security Council consists of 15 members, which include five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—each holding veto power. The remaining ten non-permanent seats are elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms, now including Liberia.
After 64 years, the ascendency of Liberia to the Security Council was as a result of enduring national spirit that has seen Liberians fall and rise, lifting themselves from the ashes of self-destruction to again be counted as a responsible member of the world’s family, deserving of the country’s legacy of global leadership and international respect.
Voting for these positions happens annually via secret ballot, with seats distributed according to regional representation. Candidates must achieve a two-thirds majority in the 193-member General Assembly to be elected.
According to Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Lewis Brown, the ascendency of Liberia to the position is not a proof of Liberia’s perfection as a nation, instead it portrays that Liberia will never stop trying for unity over division, equality over disparity, citizenship over partisanship, making Liberia’s democracy stronger and putting the country first, where it rightfully belongs.
The Security Council is one of six main organs of the United Nations, established under the UN Charter, primarily tasked with maintaining international peace and security.
Early Tuesday, several others joined their voices in solidarity to the nation’s bid by voicing their opinions on local radio talk shows – most were certain that Liberia was on par to rewriting years of history amid the restoration of the nation’s dignity and democratic credentials under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and his able lieutenants.
Following Liberia’s election, many prominent figures, including former President George Weah and former presidential candidates such as ANC’s Alexander B. Comings and Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, took on their personal Facebook pages and expressed gratitude to the nation and its citizens for their unified support in regaining the vital position after over six decades.
In a show of solidarity to the nation’s quest to ascend to the leadership role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, thousands of Liberians including officials of government, foreign diplomats gathered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia to follow the voting process.
In a broadcast and televised message to the nation titled: “A New Chapter in Liberia’s Global Engagement,” President H.E. Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai expressed his deep appreciation for the confidence shown in Liberia by UN member states.
He framed this election as a historical milestone, reflecting the nation’s resilience and dedication to peace.
President Boakai characterized the achievement as not only a national triumph but also a testament to African determination and a tribute to earlier generations of Liberians who cherished freedom and global cooperation.
He highlighted the contributions of notable figures like Ambassador Angie Brooks-Randolph and President William R. Tolbert Jr., while also reflecting on Liberia’s journey from conflict to recovery and its emergence as a respected voice in international relations.
The Liberian leader underscored the country’s commitment to addressing global challenges—including conflicts, climate change, and development inequalities—vowing to advocate for peace and reconciliation, support peacekeeping reforms, and contribute actively to UN missions.
The President encouraged all Liberians to come together in this achievement and emphasized the necessity of inclusivity, particularly through engaging women and youth to ensure that Liberia’s representation mirrors its diverse population.
He concluded by urging collaboration for national growth and progress, thanking everyone involved in this achievement, and expressing hope for a brighter future for Liberia and the global community.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
