By Sidiki Fofana | Truth In Ink
Because patriotism should be louder than politics, Truth In Ink is consciously proud to dedicate its pages to a matter bigger than any political rivalry—Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026–2027 term. This is a national opportunity, and it demands national unity.
Former President William V. S. Tubman reminds us that “National unity is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”
When the image of our country is improved, the benefits go far beyond the architecture of government—they extend to every citizen. Whether in Paynesville or Philadelphia, Zwedru or Zimbabwe, Monrovia or Minnesota, Liberians feel the weight of how our country is seen. And too often, it is our worst moments—war, corruption, impasse—that define us.
From visa denials to investor hesitancy, from business insurance premiums to diplomatic cold shoulders, our national reputation follows all of us. This is what a poor image does. And it takes all of us to change it. As the late journalist Philip N. Wesseh once wisely put it, “When it comes to national pride, there should be no ‘position,’ ‘opposition,’ or ‘no-position.’”
The Mirror of Our History
It is not lost on us—nor should it be — as we support our country’s bid, that our government has, at times, fallen short of upholding did the standards expect of nations that seek a seat at the Security Council. From institutional weaknesses to governance challenges, Liberia’s internal contradictions are real.
But so too is the enduring resilience of the Liberian people—stronger than any administration, and more enduring than any political cycle.
“Nations are not built by perfect governments but by determined peoples.” —Amílcar Cabral
Liberia cannot be forever defined by its recent past or current challenges. We are more than the years of conflict. We are more than the headlines, and greater than any impasse.
We are the first African republic, born from an audacious belief in black self-governance at a time when Africa was still shackled by colonialism. Liberia’s founding, though complicated and imperfect, was a radical declaration of dignity for people of African descent.
We are a founding member of the United Nations. At the 1945 San Francisco Conference that birthed the UN, Liberia stood as one of only four African nations in attendance. Represented by Foreign Minister Clarence Lorenzo Simpson Sr., Liberia joined 49 other countries in signing the UN Charter, arguing forcefully that African voices and experiences mattered in shaping global peace.
Earlier still, in 1934, President Edwin Barclay made history at the League of Nations by publicly condemning fascism, racial supremacy, and the Italian invasion of Ethiopia—years before many Western powers dared to speak out.
“Liberia was founded upon principles of liberty and human dignity,” Barclay said, “and those ideals remain our national compass.”
When Liberia served on the Security Council in 1961–62 and again in 1968–69, it was not as a passive participant. It was a leading African voice for Cold War neutrality, decolonization, and international peacekeeping. Liberia voted to support UN missions in the Congo, supported the admission of independent African states, and spoke strongly against apartheid South Africa.
The Legacy We Inherit—and Must Uphold
Liberia’s voice at the United Nations has long punched above its weight because of the moral clarity it sometimes offered the world. From Secretary of State Rudolf E. Grimes—one of Africa’s earliest international jurists—to our pioneering stance against imperial aggression, we earned a seat at the table not through power, but principle.
We do not ask for pity. We ask for recognition.
- Recognition of our peacekeeping contributions, including Liberia’s leadership in ECOWAS mediation efforts in Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau.
- Recognition of the lives Liberians gave in both World Wars, particularly through the British-led West African Frontier Force.
- Recognition of our historical advocacy for global multilateralism, African self-determination, and racial equality.
This is not just about a seat—it is about restoring a presence.
Beyond Partisan Lines
That is why Truth In Ink insists: this national initiative is a bid beyond politics. This is not an electoral issue. No party will win or lose elections based on this bid. To oppose it on partisan grounds is to confess how small we have made our nation in our minds. To use this opportunity to score political points is to misunderstand diplomacy, ignore history, and expose mediocrity.
Liberia’s current bid for a non-permanent seat reflects something rare in African governance: diplomatic continuity. It was initiated under President George M. Weah and is being actively pursued by President Joseph N. Boakai.
That is how statecraft should work—governments change, but the mission continues. Liberia continues.
A National Effort Requires National Unity
We call on our churches, mosques, traditional leaders, student unions, market women, youth activists, and diaspora communities across Europe, the Americas, and Africa to rally behind this effort. Let this not be a politician’s cause—it must be the people’s cause.
Just as we set aside our divisions to support the Lone Star when they play, let us rally behind this diplomatic match—one that could shape how the world sees us.
“We can love our countries without hating anyone else’s.” —Kofi Annan
We must demonstrate that Liberia is not just back—but ready to lead.
We call on West African nations to remember Liberia’s role in regional peace. We call on African nations to remember Liberia’s sacrifices and support in the independence era. We call on the world to remember Liberia’s founding voice at the UN.
“Nation-building requires that we cultivate a shared imagination of what our collective future must be.” Dr. Amos Sawyer
This Is Our Moment
This moment belongs to every Liberian. Whether you wear blue or green, or none at all—this seat is your seat. Whether you live in Ganta or Gauteng, Lofa or London, Maryland ( Liberia) or Maryland ( USA) this opportunity is our opportunity.
To the diplomatic team in New York—we say: Godspeed.
To the former Government of President George Weah, we say: Thank you for the start.
To the Government of President Joseph Boakai we say: Finish the job and well done so far.
To the people of Liberia we say: Let us unite.
Let history remember that when our nation called, we answered not as parties, tribes, or factions but as one Liberia.
About the Author:
Sidiki Fofana holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Saint Joseph’s University. He has extensive experience in leadership development, institutional change management, and business development. As a grassroots political strategist and founder of Truth In Ink Incorporated, Fofana provides in-depth political, economic, and social analysis centered on ethics, governance, and democratic transformation in Liberia.
