Washington D.C., USA – Liberia has been officially elected alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to serve as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), representing Africa for the 2026–2027 term, at the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held in Washington, D.C.
In September 2023, during the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the first Independent African Nation launched her campaign and started enlisting the support of regional and international partners, Liberia announced that it was running for one of the two seats open to the African Group.
Both the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly supported Liberia’s campaign, which highlighted her unwavering commitment to peace, security, and prosperity throughout the African continent.
Following established General Assembly protocols and regional rotation patterns, the election was held. H.E. Philemon Yang of Cameroon, who is the president of the 79th UNGA session, which started in September 2024 and will end in September 2025, presided over the session.
Article 23 of the UN Charter, which reads as follows: The General Assembly will choose ten additional UN members to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council, giving special consideration, first and foremost, to the members’ contributions to maintaining global peace and security and the Organization’s other goals, as well as to their equitable geographic distribution.
The two-year terms of each elected non-permanent member will start on January 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2027. Candidates need to receive a two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly in order to be elected. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) received 183 votes while Liberia received 181 votes.
Since Liberia’s initial admission to the UN in 1945, the country has been involved with the UN Security Council (UNSC). Liberia, the oldest country in Africa, has contributed to and benefited from the UN system. Liberia was chosen as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 1961–1962 term, although never having a permanent seat on the Council. The nation took an active position in discussions about decolonization and the emergence of the African voice in international diplomacy during that time.
Liberia’s post-conflict rebuilding has shaped its relationship with the UNSC in more recent times. Because of peacekeeping operations like UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia), which was founded in 2003 after two civil wars, the UNSC was instrumental in stabilizing the nation. Despite not having rejoined the Council since the early 1960s, Liberia has shown its dedication to global peace and cooperation by continuing to participate in regional security and peacebuilding projects with the UNSC.
In a national speech after the announcement, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., characterized the moment as a turning point in Liberia’s transition from violence to international recognition. According to him, the election is an acknowledgement of Liberia’s determination, democratic advancements, and unwavering dedication to global collaboration.
“This is a time for our 178-year-old nation to be humble and honored. In addition to being a national accomplishment, our election honors generations of Liberians who have steadfastly defended democracy, self-governance, and international solidarity. It also represents African resilience.”
The Liberia leader promised to actively and morally engage in tackling global issues such as inequality, terrorism, and climate instability. He said, civilian protection, especially women and children, peacekeeping reform, and conflict avoidance will be Liberia’s top priorities.
“We will advocate for the protection of civilians, support peacekeeping reform, and promote conflict prevention, drawing from our own experience of nation-building and reconciliation,” he added, reinforcing Liberia’s expanding position as a troop-contributing nation to UN operations.
In the Global South and Africa, President Boakai pledged advocacy and solidarity. As your voice, we promise our African brothers and sisters. “We pledge constructive diplomacy based on Liberia’s humility, honesty, and freedom values, and we offer solidarity to the global South,” he stated.
Former President William R. Tolbert Jr., who promoted African justice as essential to world peace, and the late Ambassador Angie Brooks-Randolph, the first African woman to chair the UN General Assembly, were among the pioneering Liberian diplomats and officials honored by the President in his speech.
President Boakai considered Liberia’s history of supporting African independence and its status as a founding member of the League of Nations and the United Nations. He also recognized the contribution of the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations to Liberia’s post-conflict rehabilitation.
“We are still appreciative of the United Nations and we particularly honor the 202 United Nations peacekeepers who lost their lives for Liberia,” the President stated, highlighting the nation’s transition from violence to a peaceful democracy.
President Boakai emphasized that the next term has a distinct importance, citing Liberia’s first half term in the Council in 1961. “Today’s election, in contrast to our first half term, is evidence of our country’s progress toward peace and healing. It demonstrates Liberia’s dedication to world peace and our willingness to make a significant, high-level contribution to the world.”
The accomplishment was attributed to the joint efforts of Liberian government officials and diplomats, particularly Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN, who spearheaded a successful campaign in Addis Ababa, Monrovia, and New York.
Looking ahead, President Boakai promised inclusive consultations across Liberia to ensure the country’s voice on the Council reflects its people’s aspirations. “We will consult with women and youth nationwide to ensure our representation is inclusive and grounded.”
He concluded by saying, “This victory is yours,” urging Liberians to band together and take advantage of the chance to significantly contribute to world peace and security. “It will be your aspirations, determination, and confidence Liberia will bring to the Council.”
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
