Ambassador Christine Umutoni, a Rwandan, replaces Mr. Niels Scott, whose tenure as UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, has ended.
In her remarks as she presented her credentials Ambassador Umutoni underscored Liberia’s historical relationship with the UN, noting that “Liberia is a founding member of the UN and noted the mutual respect, trust, strategic partnership which has always governed the relationship between Liberia and the UN.”
“Your Excellency, permit me to commend you, the Government, and the people of Liberia for maintaining peace and stability and promoting development in Liberia since the departure of the United Nations Mission in Liberia in 2018. It has not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the UN family, allow me to appreciate Liberia for going from over 15 years of being “peace kept” to a troop-contributing country in Mali. This is a testament to the resilience of the people of Liberia and that the country is strongly positioned on the path of lasting stability, democracy, and prosperity,” she said.
Resident Coordinator Umutoni noted that it was inspiring to see the country’s commitment to peace and security as Liberia prepared for elections and reiterated that the UN would support national programs to ensure free, fair, transparent, and credible elections.
She further stated, “The UN applauds His Excellency’s efforts, as Feminist-in-Chief, in ensuring more women representation in public life, and your staunch support of a mandatory 30% gender quota for women on candidate listings is a clear illustration of your tireless efforts to empower the women of Liberia.”
She acknowledged the government’s commitment to the national community development program to support especially the most vulnerable and all people of concern, promoting good governance and human rights, strengthening health systems, including the excellent management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She commended the Government’s work on climate change and various efforts toward economic growth in general.
Ms. Umutoni acknowledged the national efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the 2022 National Population and Housing census, which was conducted according to international standards to aid national development planning.
Like all developing countries, Liberia continues to tackle challenges related to sustainable development in post-conflict countries, and the UN Resident Coordinator is optimistic that implementing the Pro-poor vision of the country will go a long way to help the country progress towards the achievement of SDGs.
Meanwhile, the UN Resident Coordinator has applauded the work of her predecessors and offered her personal assurance and that of the UN country team to consolidate and further develop the already excellent partnership between Liberia and the United Nations.
Receiving her Letter of Credence at a brief ceremony at the Executive Mansion yesterday, February 14, 2023, President George Manneh Weah said thanked Madam Umutoni for her preferment to head the UN Mission in Liberia and expressed optimism that her stay here would go a long way in enhancing the longtime cooperation between Liberia and the UN.
The Liberian leader reflected on Liberia’s role in the formation of the United Nations several years ago, and also thanked UN Secretary General Antonio Guitaries for the excellent role he continues to play in upholding and promoting the values and integrity of the world body.
Liberian leader assured the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia of his unflinching support towards the successful discharge of her tour of duties in Liberia.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah; Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, G. Wesseh Blamoh and the Legal Advisor to the President, Cllr. Archibald Bernard.
