MONROVIA – The Office of former President George Manneh Weah has acknowledged receipt of a formal letter (RL/MFA/2-/S010021/’24) from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sarah Beysolow-Nyanti. The letter recognizes former President Weah’s contributions to maintaining peace, security, and laying the groundwork for Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 19, 2024, former President Weah’s Chief of Staff, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, affirmed the former president’s enduring commitment to advancing Liberia’s interests and elevating the nation’s standing on the global stage. “Former President Weah has always supported and will continue to support any endeavor that seeks to advance the interests of the Liberian people,” Nagbe stated.
Weah’s office highlighted Liberia’s historical contributions to global peace and security, noting that Liberia, as Africa’s first independent republic, played a pivotal role in peacekeeping efforts and in the fight for the independence of African nations. Liberia’s aspiration for a seat on the UNSC, Weah believes, is a testament to the nation’s historical commitment to peace and global diplomacy.
Former President Weah was instrumental in securing endorsements for Liberia’s bid from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). At the 63rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in July 2023, Liberia was unanimously endorsed as the region’s sole candidate for the non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2026-2027 term. The African Union later reinforced this endorsement.
However, despite his support for Liberia’s Security Council bid, Weah expressed concerns about recent domestic actions that could undermine the nation’s candidacy. He pointed to the August 22, 2024, raid on the headquarters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) by the Liberia National Police as a troubling sign. The unprovoked raid, which involved live ammunition and armed officers, resulted in injuries to several CDC partisans.
Weah argued that such actions contradict the democratic ideals and rule of law that Liberia must embody to credibly pursue its bid for the UNSC seat. “The misuse of power to stifle dissent and target political opponents poses a serious threat to Liberia’s democratic stability,” he warned, emphasizing that internal actions must reflect the values the nation seeks to promote globally.
Former President Weah also criticized the government’s inconsistent stance on his leadership. While one ministry acknowledges his contributions, another engages in disparaging rhetoric, further reflecting the administration’s divisive nature. “Instead of fostering reconciliation and unification, the administration is fueling division and retribution,” the statement from Weah’s office noted.
To solidify Liberia’s bid for the UNSC seat, Weah called on the government to recommit to good governance, protect political freedoms, and uphold the rule of law. He cautioned that superficial efforts, such as a photo opportunity at the United Nations headquarters, are insufficient. Instead, genuine actions of diplomacy and governance are needed to present Liberia as a credible candidate for the UNSC.
Weah reiterated his unwavering support for Liberia’s UNSC bid but emphasized the need for internal reforms to align with the nation’s global aspirations. “Only by addressing these internal challenges can we present ourselves as a viable candidate for the Security Council,” Weah concluded.
