Monrovia, Liberia – Following Liberia’s historic election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti issued a direct, high-stakes warning to Liberia’s diplomatic corps on Monday, January 5, 2025, saying that the prestige of the seat leaves no room for mediocrity, misconduct, or mismanagement.
The Minister stated that 2026 will be a crucial year for Liberian diplomacy and that all overseas missions must be efficient, disciplined, and provide measurable results. He made this statement during a global video briefing from Liberia’s diplomatic mission in Rabat.
The Minister commended diplomats for a historic year that brought Liberia to the forefront of international security and established the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Center. But the tone quickly shifted from celebration to command, as the Foreign Affairs boss made clear that the UNSC seat is a national obligation, not a New York privilege.
The Minister explained that all missions, not only New York, now bear the responsibility of this seat, instructing embassies and consulates to provide real-time intelligence, policy analysis, and strategic insights to steer Liberia’s stances and votes on the most powerful security body in the world.
She declared that official government letterheads would henceforth contain the UN Security Council logo in a symbolic but calculated move that would demonstrate Liberia’s increased diplomatic stature and serve as a means of advancing national objectives.
The Minister issued one of the strongest internal warnings to the foreign service to date, outlining a stringent Standard of Excellence that forbids indiscipline. The Minister emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for confidentiality violations and warned diplomats not to leak information or discuss sensitive state matters on social media.
Additionally, a 2026 Foreign Service Reform Roadmap was presented, promising enhanced transportation, staff insurance, and logistical support for high-traffic missions, along with tougher control. Regarding financial management, the message was clear: all funds collected by missions must be promptly remitted, and unapproved spending must cease. The Minister said, “Accountability is no longer optional.”
Additionally, the Minister announced that economic diplomacy would be the cornerstone of Liberia’s future foreign policy, signaling a dramatic change in direction. Missions were directed to actively seek partnerships, trade agreements, and investments that directly contribute to domestic economic growth and employment.
“Our foreign policy must be felt in the lives of ordinary Liberians, reframing diplomacy as an economic engine rather than a ceremonial exercise,” Madam Nyanti noted.
The Minister reminded diplomats that their actions now impact not just international relations but also national security and economic survival, referring to Liberia’s UNSC seat as “a global vote of confidence.” The conference concluded with a direction for improved coordination between Liberia’s missions and the Public Affairs Department in order to guarantee a unified, disciplined, and potent worldwide message. It also formally presented the new Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
