MONROVIA: One of the globally renowned Liberian peace promoters, Madam Leymah Roberta Gbowee, has accepted a formal request made to her by the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to support Liberia’s bid for a non-Permanent seat on the United Nations (UN), Security Council (UNSC).
In a short but striking message posted via her official Facebook Page, Nobel Laureate, Leymah Roberta Gbowee said: “I am honored to support the Government of Liberia in their bid for a non-Permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.”
Madam Gbowee, who is also Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa emphasized that “United Nations played a pivotal role in abating the conflict in Liberia in 2003.”
She stressed that “a non-Permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council will allow Liberia to continue to make contributions to the legacy of peace and conflict resolution that our nation and citizens have worked tirelessly to cultivate.”
Recently, Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, wrote three prominent Liberians to support the country’s bid for the UN Security Council seat.
Minister Nyanti communicated with former Presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah and Madam Gbowee to assist in the country’s quest for the UN non-permanent seat.
It is not clear whether former President Weah “whose global presence as Peace Ambassador has not only fortified Liberia’s position on the World Stage but also brought pride and honor to our nation” will accept the Liberian government’s request to attend the UN General Assembly in New York in September.
In her communication, dated September 6, 2024, to Noble Peace Laurate, Leymah Gbowee, Foreign Minister Nyanti stated: “I present my compliments and write to you with deep respect and admiration for your tireless work in promoting peace and justice, not only within Liberia but across the globe. Your leadership and advocacy during our nation’s civil crisis have left an inedible mark on Liberia’s history and serve as a beacon of hope for women and peacebuilders worldwide.”
The Minister continued: “As you know, Liberia, a founding member of the United Nations and a former non-Permanent member of the UNSC in 1961, is launching its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The formal launch will take place at the United Nations Headquarters during the upcoming UN General Assembly on September 27, 2024. The momentous occasion marks an important chapter in Liberia’s engagement with the global community, and we are reaching out to our nation’s most esteemed figures to help amplify our message to the world.”
In July 2023, the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), unanimously endorsed Liberia’s bid for a Non-Permanent Member seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026 to 2027.
During the 63rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government held in Guinea-Bissau, July 2023, Liberia’s former President, George Manneh Weah, expressed Liberia’s interest in becoming a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
In a Communiqué, delivered by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, on July 9, 2023, it was announced that Liberia would receive the full backing of the ECOWAS bloc in its pursuit of this position at the United Nations.
The Communiqué, which was signed by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and approved by Gen. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea Bissau, and the immediate former Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized that Liberia’s candidacy had been officially endorsed during the ECOWAS Summit in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.
It was also confirmed that Guinea-Bissau’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent Membership to the UN for the term 2027 to 2028 would be subsequently endorsed after Liberia.
The United Nations Security Council consists of 15-member countries, including five permanent members– China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – who possess veto power over resolutions and decisions.
The remaining 10 seats are non-permanent and are filled through elections conducted by the General Assembly, in line with geographical distribution by region.
Candidates must secure a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes, even if they run uncontested.
Following Liberia’s endorsement by ECOWAS, ECOWAS Commission and its President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, expressed confidence that Liberia’s endorsement by ECOWAS would strengthen the representation of the West Africa region in the United Nations Security Council and contribute to promoting peace, security, and development in the international arena.
