Liberia News: Weah Responds To Govt

Liberia-Former President George M. Weah has finally responded to the Liberian government’s request to assist Liberia in securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The government through Madam Sarah Beysolow-Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs had beseeched the former President to use his influence and connection to aid Liberia’s efforts in securing the Seat, a two-year position member states are elected to by the UN General Assembly.

A statement issued last evening under the signature of Len Eugene Nagbe, Chief of Staff of the former President Office, he acknowledged receipt of a letter signed by the Minister Beysolow-Nyanti, and expressed appreciation to her for the recognition of the former leader numerous contributions towards the maintenance of peace and security and in laying the groundwork for Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The statement said: “The former President has supported and always will support any endeavor that seeks to advance the interests of the Liberian people and elevate our nation’s standing within the global community. It is his strong conviction that Liberia’s aspiration for a seat on the United Nations Security Council is a testament to our historical commitment to peace, both at home and abroad.”

Historicizing Liberia’s role and contributions, he acknowledged how the country has consistently played a vital role in peacekeeping efforts and has stood as an emblem of resilience in the face of adversity, as well as  its historical roles, as Africa’s first independent republic, in the fight for the independence of many sister African nations.

The President also took note of the country’s role as a founding member of the United Nations and its predecessor the League of Nations, Liberia played pivotal roles in ushering and consolidating world peace and establishing global order.

 President Weah recognized that “It was with these ideals in mind that he undertook several bilateral engagements, including seeking and securing endorsements from ECOWAS and the African Union for Liberia’s bid as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, so that Liberia’s voice would be valuable in multilateral dialogues concerning global peace and security.”

He also recalled that during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held on July 9, 2023, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Liberia was unanimously endorsed as the sole candidate representing the ECOWAS region for the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2026/2027.

“This endorsement was articulated in Numbers 46 and 47 of the Final Communiqué, which was signed by H.E. General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau and then Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State of ECOWAS. This was a significant achievement, marking Liberia’s advancement as a trusted voice in international affairs once again. The African Union subsequently reinforced this endorsement, recognizing Liberia’s role in promoting peace and stability,” ex-President Weah said.

According to the statement, he fully recognizes the importance of Liberia pursuing and attaining this seat, we must also reflect on the deeper, quintessential ideals that underpin such an aspiration.

It went on saying “When he first initiated the campaign for our nation’s bid, it was with the firm belief that we must not only project our historical contributions but also embody the very principles that define the Security Council’s mission—good governance, the rule of law, unification, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, including the right to free speech. These principles are not just aspirations; they are the bedrock upon which our credibility as a candidate must rest.”

Former President Weah has however expressed regrets about the current domestic landscape which he said presents challenges that could undermine and derail the essence of our bid.

Enumerating the challenges, he referenced the August 22, 2024 situation at the CDC headquarters when the Liberia National Police, “without presenting any search warrant, raided the headquarters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), firing live ammunition and surrounding the building with armed men and injuring many partisans.”

Describing it as an unprovoked attack on our political party headquarters, he referred to it as  an alarming sign of the administration’s disregard for political freedoms, the rule of law, and national unity, adding “Such and many other actions which have been well catalogued, directly contradict the ideals of democracy and peace that form the foundation of the United Nations Charter and the very principles the Security Council must uphold.”

“Following this incident, former President Weah immediately communicated with Omar Alieu Turay, President of the ECOWAS Commission, urging ECOWAS to take proactive diplomatic steps to ensure that Liberia’s democracy is not jeopardized by the administration’s misuse of power. The use of state resources to stifle dissent and target political opponents poses a serious threat to Liberia’s democratic stability,” the statement quoted the former President as saying.

He also noted how following our receipt of the letter from Minister Beyslow-Nyanti, the spokesman of the government at the Ministry of Information went on a juvenile, sophomoric rant while purportedly giving the administration’s position on the issue, in a vain attempt to denigrate former President Weah.

He said that “such disingenuous behavior, wherein one ministry of government writes a former President whilst another hurts disrespectful invectives at him points to an apparent schism in the ranks and a duality of policy in government that in themselves pose a risk to the bid.”

“Instead of fostering reconciliation and unification, the administration is fueling division and retribution. These actions are at odds with the values that the United Nations stands for: respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the former President said.

In spite of the commitments made by the regional and continental bodies, ECOWAS and the AU, he contended that these happenings are potential threats which could erode confidence and unracel the bid.

It said that the former President supports Liberia’s aspiration for a seat on the Security Council, he however emphasizes that our internal actions must reflect the values we seek to promote globally.

He said “To credibly pursue this seat and put Liberia on its rightful place on the international pedestal at the UNSC, the government must restore its commitment to good governance, the protection of political freedoms, and the rule of law. Only by addressing these internal challenges, consolidating the diplomatic gains and re-engaging bilateral and multilateral partners, can we present ourselves as a viable candidate for the Security Council, one that truly embodies the ideals of peace and security, justice and rule of law under a vibrant democratic dispensation.”

The statement concluded by saying that “Perfunctory and superficial publicity stunts such as a photo-op at the UN headquarters on September 27, 2024 is not what is required, but firm and genuine actions of diplomacy and good governance.”