In a historic moment, the United Nations General Assembly has elected Liberia as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2026-2027 term, a significant achievement that highlights the nation’s resilience and dedication to global cooperation.
The election results, announced on Tuesday, confirmed Liberia’s position alongside Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Latvia, each slated to replace outgoing members.
In an address to the nation following the announcement, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai expressed profound gratitude to the international community and highlighted the importance of this achievement for Liberia as Africa’s first independent nation.
“Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our nation’s history,” said Boakai. He emphasized that this election is not merely a national accomplishment but a testament to African perseverance and a tribute to the generations of Liberians who have upheld the values of freedom and self-governance.
Reflecting on the journey Liberia has undergone, from conflict to recovery and now to an esteemed position on the global stage, President Boakai stated, “Unlike our first partial term in 1961, today’s election is a testament to our nation’s journey toward peace and reconciliation.”
He also noted the essential roles played by the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union in Liberia’s peace process, paying homage to the 202 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives during the nation’s tumultuous times.
The newly elected members, including Liberia with 181 votes, will serve their terms from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
This will be Liberia’s second term on the UNSC, following its previous partial term in the 1960s. The presidency acknowledged the ongoing global challenges from conflicts to climate-related security issues and pledged that Liberia would be a principled and dependable voice for both Africa and the global South, advocating for inclusive and lasting peace.
“Drawing from our own experience of reconciliation and nation-building, we will promote conflict prevention, support peacekeeping reform, and champion the protection of civilians, especially women and children,” Boakai affirmed.
He expressed Liberia’s intent to continue contributing troops to UN missions in efforts to bolster peacekeeping efforts globally.
The president’s statement resonated with the legacy of past Liberian leaders who have championed the nation’s presence on the international stage. Boakai called on Liberians both at home and abroad to unite in making this new opportunity a success. “When Liberia sits at the Council, it will be your hopes, resilience, and dreams that she will carry,” he said.
This election comes following a bid initially initiated by former President George Weah before his exit from office in 2024, marking a seamless continuation of Liberia’s commitment to active participation in global governance.
As Liberia embarks on this new chapter, citizens are encouraged to rally together, ensuring that the nation’s representation in the Security Council is reflective of all voices and grounded in the principles of humility, honesty, and freedom.
President Boakai concluded his address with a call for collaboration and progress: “Let us embrace this moment and work together to build a brighter future for our nation and the world.”
