As one of the oldest republics on the African continent, Liberia’s historical and contemporary relationship with the United Nations reflects a unique fusion of resilience, moral leadership, and internationalism. Liberia’s Foreign Policy is firmly rooted in its political ideology of liberalism, democracy and capitalism. Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is therefore not only merited, but it is timely, strategic, and symbolically powerful. This bid represents a nation whose scars from civil strife have transformed into instruments of diplomacy, reconciliation, and global partnership.
Historically, Liberia plays critical and foundational role in the formation of the UN System.
As the oldest republic and country in Africa, Liberia is not a newcomer to the multilateral system. It was one of the founding members of the United Nations in 1945, and a signatory to the
Charter of the United Nations at the San Francisco Conference. Liberia’s early involvement in the League of Nations and later the UN signaled Africa’s rightful place in global governance and peace diplomacy at a time when colonialism dominated most of the continent. The ‘Sweet land of Liberty’ serves as the bastion of hope and a trailblazer in international jurisprudence, having been one of the first African countries to bring a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a demonstration of respect for the rule of law and multilateral dispute resolution.
Seen as one of the 21st Century post war success stories, Liberia remains an exemplary of UN positive Peacekeeping and State building engagement. While few countries have had a deeper or more transformative partnership with the United Nations than Liberia, however following 14 years of brutal civil wars, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) became a model of multidimensional peacekeeping. Liberia’s post-conflict reconstruction, disarmament, democratic transition, and security sector reform were not only carried out with significant UN engagement but more importantly, with national ownership.
Today, Liberia stands as one of the UN’s greatest peacekeeping success stories, a post-conflict democracy that now contributes to peacekeeping itself. Liberia has transitioned from a recipient of peacekeeping to a contributor, deploying troops to regional and UN missions in Mali and Darfur, among others.
Besides its pivotal role at the global level, Liberia’s political maturity has also been reflected through regional leadership in West Africa. Liberia has consistently played a stabilizing role in West Africa in several capacities. As a member of ECOWAS, Liberia has championed diplomatic dialogue and regional integration. Its experiences in conflict resolution, transitional justice, and institutional reforms position it as a credible voice for fragile and post-conflict states seeking peace and sustainable development.
The country has also enjoyed 4 political transitions ( 2005, 2011, 2017 and 2023) respectively through democratic processes. Liberia’s peaceful transfer of power following several democratic elections, reinforced its image as a regional leader in constitutional governance. Moreover, Liberia has provided quiet mediation in regional disputes and stood firmly for constitutional order, democratic norms, and the rule of law in West African politics.
Liberia’s ascendency to the UNSC will boost economic advocacy for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). As a least developed country, Liberia brings firsthand understanding of the securitydevelopment nexus. Its voice on the Security Council would amplify the needs of countries where poverty, governance deficits, and climate change fuel insecurity because Liberia has been a consistent advocate for:
- Equitable access to development financing;
- Sustainable debt relief for vulnerable states; • And fairer trade regimes for African economies.
Its tenure on the UNSC would undoubtedly enrich conversations on how underdevelopment, inequality, and marginalization are drivers of global insecurity. Although, like any country in the world, Liberia has its own challenges, however its cultural, gender and human rights records are progressing. Liberia has made landmark contributions to women’s rights, human rights, and post-conflict reconciliation. It was the first African country to elect a female president, Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who became a global icon for democratic governance and gender equality.
Liberia has also supported international instruments on human rights, child protection, transitional justice, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Its Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was among Africa’s earliest experiments in post-conflict justice and memorialization.
When it comes to environmental stewardship, governance and climate security, Liberia’s uses an integrated approach -developing and enforcing legal frameworks that protect natural resources, supporting climate resilience, and ensuring that climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are equitable and benefit all communities, Moreover, Liberia’s extensive forest cover, which forms part of the Upper Guinean Forest ecosystem, represents one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. The country has partnered with Norway and others to preserve its forests as global carbon sinks, highlighting the security implications of environmental degradation, deforestation, and climate displacement. Clearly, Liberia’s UNSC tenure would help elevate climate security as a critical dimension of international peace and stability, particularly for climate-vulnerable regions.
Because of its historical role and resilience, Liberia is a moral voice for global peace and peaceful coexistence. The Security Council is most effective when it reflects the moral conscience of the world and Liberia as a country that emerged from slavery, survived wars, rebuilt peace, curtailed different health epidemics, offers a perspective rooted in historical empathy, resilience, multilateral commitment, and global responsibility.
As an African state with deep ties to both the West and the Global South, Liberia is uniquely placed to bridge divides, foster consensus, and advocate for inclusive multilateralism in the Council’s deliberations. We call for votes across the globe. Liberia’s candidacy for a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is more than justified, it is essential. It would bring to the Council a voice seasoned by adversity, tempered by hope, and committed to global peace. From the ashes of conflict, Liberia has emerged as a beacon of democratic resilience and multilateral solidarity. Its election to the UNSC would not only honor its contributions but it would enrich the Council itself.
Let the seat be a symbol but not just of representation, but of redemption, and global renewal.
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