By Grace Q. Bryant
The Government of Liberia has officially launched a national campaign to rally support for its bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term.
The event, held at the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun Street in Monrovia, was aimed at engaging Liberians both at home and abroad in support of this historic diplomatic effort.
The campaign seeks to unify the nation behind Liberia’s candidacy and highlights the importance of securing a place at the global decision-making table.
However, the absence of opposition leaders at the launch raised concerns that it might signal political disunity, potentially harming the country’s chances. Nevertheless, government officials remained optimistic, downplaying the boycott and reaffirming their commitment to securing the seat through regional and international partnerships.
Despite the absence of key opposition figures, the event saw strong participation from various sectors of society. Representatives from student organizations such as the Liberia National Student Union (LINSU) and the Federation of Liberian Youth attended, alongside civic groups including the Liberia Market Association, the Rural Women Organization, the Traditional Council, the Liberia Muslim Council, and the Liberia Council of Churches.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Lewis Brown explained the significance of Liberia’s bid, noting that while all 193 UN member states have equal representation in the General Assembly, the UNSC consists of only 15 members—five permanent members with veto power and ten rotating non-permanent members serving two-year terms. Africa holds three non-permanent seats.
Brown emphasized that Liberia has already secured the unanimous endorsement of the African Union to represent the continent in the 2026-2027 term, but national support remains crucial. He urged all Liberians, including political leaders, civil society groups, youth organizations, and religious communities, to back the bid.
“This is not just about diplomacy; it’s about real benefits for our people. Securing this seat can lead to job creation, better infrastructure, and improved access to essential services like electricity and clean water,” Brown stated.
He pointed to Sierra Leone’s previous tenure on the UNSC, which resulted in lasting international partnerships that facilitated major infrastructural projects. Similarly, Ghana leveraged its term to enhance global peace and security, leading to increased international cooperation and domestic development.
Ambassador Brown reminded the audience that securing a seat on the UNSC would not only enhance Liberia’s global influence but also bring tangible economic benefits, such as increased foreign investment and infrastructure development.
“To any Liberian who doubts the importance of this bid, I say this: Sitting on the UN Security Council will bring real opportunities—economic growth, job creation, and an improved standard of living for our people,” Brown stated.
In her address, Foreign Minister and Dean of the Cabinet Sarah Beysolow Nyanti described the initiative as an investment in Liberia’s future.
She stressed that winning the bid would enable Liberia to advocate for global peace and justice while amplifying the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves.
“Liberia has always been a champion for peace, democracy, and justice. This campaign is about positioning ourselves where we can influence global decisions that affect not just our country but the entire African continent,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Majority Bloc, Richard Nagbe Koon, reaffirmed Liberia’s historical commitment to peace, governance, and regional stability.
He noted that as Africa’s first independent republic, Liberia has long been a strong advocate for self-governance, human rights, and multilateral cooperation.
“Our campaign is about ensuring that issues affecting Africa receive the attention they deserve at the highest levels of international governance,” Koon said.
He referenced his recent engagements with African Atlantic States in Morocco, where he sought parliamentary support for Liberia’s candidacy.
Liberia, a founding member of the United Nations since 1945, has only served on the Security Council once—in 1961, when it shared a two-year term with Ireland. During that time, Liberia played a key role in advocating for African unity and decolonization, supporting nations in their struggles for independence.
As Liberia moves forward with its campaign, the government remains hopeful that political differences can be set aside in favor of national unity. Officials continue to engage regional and international partners, working to solidify support for Liberia’s bid ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly vote.
While challenges remain, the strong turnout at the campaign launch signals a broad base of support within the country.