ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – In a closed-door session at the 38th African Union Summit, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, issued a resounding call for Africa to renew its push for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Addressing African leaders and diplomats, Minister Nyanti emphasized that Africa’s historical exclusion from permanent decision-making at the UNSC is an injustice that must be corrected.
“When it comes to justice, the issues discussed at the United Nations Security Council are about Africa. Yet, the continent has no permanent representation in this important body,” Nyanti declared. “African leaders resolved in 2005 to campaign for a common African position—two permanent representatives and two non-permanent representatives. There is a need to renew this push to accelerate the reform process, not only in terms of representation but in terms of the content and scope of the UNSC’s role.”
Minister Nyanti reminded her audience that Africa’s presence at the UN in 1945 was minimal, as most of the continent was still under colonial rule. Even during the first reform of the UN in 1963, Africa’s impact was marginal due to limited representation. Today, however, she stressed, the continent has the numbers, expertise, and influence to demand a more significant role.
“Africa has strong representation at the United Nations Security Council through the A3 [African members of the Security Council]. Liberia looks forward to carrying this agenda forward as we pursue the UN Security Council non-permanent seat for Africa for 2026-2027. This reform must happen. It will happen,” Nyanti affirmed.
Following the closed-door meeting, The Liberian Investigator and Daily Observer conducted an exclusive interview with Minister Nyanti in Addis Ababa to gain deeper insights into Liberia’s stance on UNSC reform, feminist foreign policy, and Africa’s push for reparations.
Liberia’s UNSC Bid: A Long Road Ahead
Liberia has been intensifying its diplomatic efforts to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council, recognizing the uphill battle of securing votes despite African Union endorsement. Foreign Minister Nyanti said the real challenge lies in direct engagement with individual member states.
“One president told me plainly, ‘You have to ask me for my vote.’ When Sierra Leone secured a seat with 188 out of 193 votes, their foreign minister personally visited nearly 50 countries. We must be just as aggressive in our campaign,” Nyanti stated.
Kenya has already emerged as a key supporter of Liberia’s bid, with President William Ruto pledging not only to vote for Liberia but also to champion the country’s campaign across the region.
Minister Nyanti stated that Liberia is actively mapping potential votes, and momentum is shifting in its favor as more commitments are secured. She credited President Joseph Boakai’s administration and lawmakers for taking a hands-on approach to lobbying for support.
Liberia’s push for a Security Council seat is deeply tied to its historical significance. As a founding member of the United Nations, the country has never held a full-term seat, having last served in 1961 for only a one-year term due to a temporary arrangement.
“This is a defining moment,” Nyanti asserted. “The global conversation around historical injustices and UN Security Council reform presents an opportunity. Liberia was at the table when the UN was founded but lacked the influence to shape its course. Now, with a stronger, unified African voice, we must assert ourselves and drive meaningful change.”
Feminist Foreign Policy
Asked why Liberia chose this moment to champion feminist foreign policy (FFP), Nyanti explained that misconceptions about the term often lead to unnecessary fear.
“First, it’s important to clarify that when people hear ‘feminist,’ it scares them. All it means is engineering and making sure that we provide a platform upon which women can stand. You cannot have a foreign policy that doesn’t address women,” she said.
Minister Nyanti argued that since foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy, and women are prioritized domestically, Liberia must reflect that commitment in its global engagements.
“This means looking at women’s representation in our missions, considering what women need differently from men, and ensuring that women’s issues are projected across all aspects of diplomacy,” she added.
She disclosed that Liberia is leading the charge as the first African country to adopt an engendered foreign policy, prompting interest from Rwanda, Zambia, and Nigeria, which has signaled its intent to collaborate. Liberia is currently finalizing a gender equality assessment of its foreign policy outreach, which will shape the final document.
“At the launch event, recommendations were made to bring this issue to the AU agenda for broader sensitization. However, ECOWAS suggested we first sensitize leaders within our region before taking it to the AU. This presents an opportunity for Liberia to lead the conversation and maintain our pioneering role,” Nyanti noted.
Reparations and Africa’s Economic Future
The theme of this year’s AU summit was reparations and justice for Africans. Nyanti was asked whether Africa is demanding or merely appealing for reparations.
“There is unity in acknowledging historical injustices and the absence of reparations. Other regions have received reparations for past atrocities, while Africa, which suffered the greatest losses through transatlantic slavery, has not even received an apology. As Mia Mottley put it, ‘Start by telling us sorry,’” she said.
While there is no consensus on the exact form reparations should take, she said acknowledgment of historical wrongs is a crucial first step. She also suggested that Africa use this moment to reassess its economic strategies and partnerships.
“The shifting global order presents a chance for Africa to position itself as a key player rather than remain dependent on external aid,” she said.
Africa’s Unity and Strategic Vision
When asked whether the AU bloc is truly unified in supporting each other, Nyanti acknowledged the challenges but pointed to growing regional collaboration.
“While full unity is challenging, there is a growing realization that Africa must look inward and strengthen regional collaborations. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a significant step toward economic integration,” she noted.
She highlighted ongoing discussions between Liberian President Joseph Boakai and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio about leveraging the Mano River Union as a common marketplace.
“If an investor looks at Liberia alone, they see a market of 5.7 million people. However, if they consider the Mano River Union, that number jumps to 60 million, creating a far more attractive investment landscape,” she explained.
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