–Rallies Support Of All Liberians
Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is gaining momentum as the world body prepares for election in June this year. Ambassador Lewis Garseedah Brown, Permanent Representative to the UN, has called on Liberians to unite behind this historic effort, emphasizing the political and economic benefits that membership on the Council would bring.
Speaking to the press, Brown highlighted that Liberia, a founding member of the UN, has only served on the Security Council once—splitting a two-year term with Ireland in 1961. He underscored the country’s past contributions, including advocacy for African unity, support for peacekeeping missions, and strong backing for the decolonization process.
“Liberia’s respected international leadership in the 1960s translated into economic opportunities at home,” Brown stated, drawing a link between political influence and national economic growth. “There is always a correlation between international political relevance and economic benefits to a country sitting on the Council.”
Liberia is vying for one of Africa’s three non-permanent seats on the UNSC for the 2026–2027 term, a bid that has been unanimously endorsed by the African Union. If successful, it would mark the first time Liberia serves a full two-year term on the Council, making the moment even more significant.
“This bid is about all of us—each and every Liberian,” Brown declared. “It is about our collective resilience, our history of overcoming adversity, and our determination to shape a better future for our nation.”
He recalled Liberia’s past struggles, including its brutal civil wars, the Ebola epidemic, and political transitions, emphasizing that these experiences uniquely position the country to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security discussions at the UN.
With the election set for June at the UN Headquarters in New York, Liberia must secure at least 127 votes from the 193 member states to win the seat. Brown urged all Liberians to support the campaign, regardless of political affiliation.
“I know we must disagree, as we should, about many things happening in our country,” he acknowledged. “But as Liberians, we must never seem disagreeable about that which will bring pride, political relevance, and economic benefits to our country.”
President Joseph Boakai is set to lead a national rally on Monday, February 10, at the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia, calling on all Liberians—from political leaders to students, religious groups, and civil society—to stand behind the country’s bid, Amb. Brown asserted at MICAT regular press briefing.
Brown outlined the tangible advantages of securing a seat on the UNSC, citing examples from other African nations. Sierra Leone leveraged its Security Council membership to strengthen international partnerships, resulting in key infrastructure projects such as the Youyi Building and the Siaka Stevens Stadium. Ghana, during its term, deepened its role in global peacekeeping, which translated into increased international cooperation and domestic development support, Ambassador Brown told newsmen in Monrovia.
“A successful bid will bring economic benefits, including increased foreign investment, job opportunities, and infrastructure development,” Brown assured Liberians. “Imagine more jobs, better roads, access to clean water, and electricity. These are not just dreams; these are achievable goals.”
Brown appealed to Liberians to rally behind the national flag, putting country over party. “Whoever sits behind the nameplate that reads ‘Liberia’ at the UN Security Council will represent all Liberians—not a tribe, a county, or a political party,” he said. “This is our collective moment to stand together.”
Ending on a passionate note, Brown urged all Liberians, at home and abroad, to see the bid as a call to duty. “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” he asked, reinforcing the urgency of national unity in pursuit of global leadership.
With international diplomacy at stake, Liberia’s bid for the Security Council is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a move to elevate the country’s global standing, enhance its economic prospects, and reaffirm its role as a responsible member of the international community.