President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has appointed a distinguished group of individuals as Ambassadors-at-Large to the Policy Advisory Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preferring the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, B. Elias Shoniyin, to head the council as Chairman.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, these appointments reflect the Boakai administration’s commitment to enhancing Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
Those appointed as Ambassadors-at-Large to the Policy Advisory Council are B. Elias Shoniyin, Chair; Ambassador Blamoh Nelson, member; Ambassador Ethel Davis, member; Chris Moore, member; and Robert Lormia, member.
According to the release, the appointments aim at strengthening Liberia’s presence on the global stage and ensuring that the country’s foreign policy is effectively shaped by experienced and knowledgeable individuals, as the newly appointed Ambassadors-at-Large bring a wealth of expertise in diplomacy, governance, and international relations, which will be instrumental in advancing Liberia’s national interest.
The Chairman of the Council, Shoniyin, brings a wealth of experience, expertise and deep commitment to public service and international affairs. With over 25 years of impactful work in nonprofit and public service, Shoniyin is recognized as a leading figure in development, diplomacy, and policy. His career spans numerous critical roles, including his current leadership as Managing Director and Managing Partner of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), as well as Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy at Cuttington University, Liberia.
Shoniyin’s expertise has been shaped by his earlier service as Principal Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, where he served under two successive administrations, and as Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Cooperation & Integration. In these roles, he was instrumental in guiding Liberia’s post-conflict foreign policy and deepening international relations.
His contributions to Liberia’s post-conflict recovery are particularly notable. He played a pivotal role during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, coordinating critical resource mobilization efforts that helped steer the country through one of its most challenging periods. His leadership at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought about strategic reforms, improving the efficiency of the foreign service and expanding cooperation with new international partners.
Shoniyin has received numerous honors and awards from esteemed institutions locally and internationally, in recognition of his outstanding work and achievements. For his distinguished service to the government and people of Liberia, he was admitted into The Humane Order of African Redemption and conferred the rank of Knight Commander. Others include Resolution of Honor—New York Legislative Assembly; Resolution of Honor—New York Senate; Resolution of Honor—New York City Council; and Excellence in Leadership—Africa Caribbean Business Council in Washington, among many others.
Doyens of the diplomatic cycle have expressed optimism in the council’s ability to potently deliver the anticipated results, describing its structure as an epitome of diplomatic excellence and a prestigious team in the Boakai administration. They hailed President Boakai for his farsightedness in establishing the Policy Advisory Council, which they believe is pivotal for the country’s foreign relations.