Liberia-The Liberian government is patiently awaiting a response from former President George Weah in relation to the Government’s request for his assistance in the country efforts to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
While the former head of state is yet to react or response to the request which is made amidst an existing frosty relationship between him and his successor, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberians are also wondering as to whether he will accept the offer or reject it.
The government’s request comes as a great surprise considering the tempest in what supposed to be a very good relationship with the man who laid the foundation for the conduct of the peaceful, fair and free elections, which ushered the Boakai administration to power.
The former President and current President have not seen eyes to eyes since the January 22, 2024 inauguration at the Capitol Building attended by throngs of Liberians as well as foreign dignitaries. At the momentous occasion, President Boakai held the hands of his predecessors in the air as a sign of peace and unity, but happenings have proved that the display was a sheer prank.
While the situation continues to escalate day by day instead of being resolved evidenced by the recent revolt between the supporters of the CDC, of which the former President is the Political Leader, and officers of the Liberia National Police.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti few days ago wrote ex-President Weah, saying that securing Liberia a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member would be nearly impossible without his influential endorsement, who she said initiated the bid during his tenure.
The communication of September 6, 2024, quoted Minister Nyanti as expressing the Government’s deep appreciation for Weah’s ongoing role as a Global Peace Ambassador. “Your global presence as a peace ambassador has not only fortified Liberia’s position on the world stage but also brought pride and honor to our nation,” Nyanti noted in the communication to the former Liberian leader.
According to her, this global recognition of President Weah, in addition to his foundational efforts towards securing the seat, are crucial to the campaign that aims to finally secure Liberia the non-permanent member seat on the UN Security Council.
“Your Excellency, it was under your esteemed leadership that the process for Liberia’s bid for the non-permanent seat on the UNSC began. Your role in maintaining peace in Liberia during the recent elections has been widely recognized, further cementing your status as a Global Peace Ambassador,” the Minister stated.
The Foreign Minister requested President Weah’s assistance in producing a one-minute video to support Liberia’s bid as the country prepares for the UN General Assembly. She also requested his presence.
“Your message and your presence would emphasize Liberia’s historical contributions to the United Nations and the global peace and security agenda, and your personal commitment to advancing these efforts,” she elaborated.
The campaign is also expected to feature support from other prominent Liberian figures, including former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, and current President Joseph N. Boakai, who will join Weah in championing Liberia’s bid.
It can be recalled that in July 2023, the Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) unanimously supported Liberia’s bid for a Non-Permanent Member seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2026 to 2027.
During the 63rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State in Guinea-Bissau, President George M. Weah expressed Liberia’s interest in becoming a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
In a communiqué delivered by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, on Sunday, July 9, 2023, it was announced that Liberia would receive the full backing of the ECOWAS bloc in its pursuit of this position at the United Nations.
The communiqué, which was signed by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and approved by H.E. Gen. Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea Bissau and the immediate former Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasized that Liberia’s candidacy had been officially endorsed during the ECOWAS Summit held in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.
It was also confirmed that Guinea-Bissau’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent Membership to the UN for the term 2027 to 2028 would be subsequently endorsed after Liberia.
The United Nations Security Council consists of 15 member countries, including five permanent members-China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States who possess veto power over resolutions and decisions.
The remaining 10 seats are non-permanent and are filled through elections conducted by the General Assembly, in line with geographical distribution by region. Candidates must secure a two-thirds majority, or 128 votes, even if they run uncontested.
The elections for the non-permanent seats, including the one for the West Africa region, are scheduled to be held in June 2025 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
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