PARIS – Liberia has taken another major step in its diplomatic reawakening as the government moves closer to securing Associate Membership in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). In a bilateral meeting held in Paris on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, met with H.E. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the OIF, to reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its global presence and deepening cooperation with francophone and other member states.
The meeting comes as part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s broader foreign-policy reorientation, aimed at repositioning Liberia as an active and respected player in international affairs. Minister Nyanti outlined the government’s evolving foreign-policy strategy, emphasizing that economic diplomacy, regional and multilateral cooperation, and strategic partnerships are central to restoring Liberia’s influence on the global stage.
According to Minister Nyanti, Liberia’s pursuit of OIF Associate Membership is not only about expanding diplomatic horizons but also about strengthening its role within ECOWAS and the African Union. “Our goal is to ensure that Liberia’s engagement with the world reflects our shared aspirations for development, cooperation, and sustainable peace,” she said, noting the significance of the OIF’s expansive membership, which includes several sister countries across West Africa.
Responding to Liberia’s renewed outreach, OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo congratulated Liberia and Minister Nyanti for what she termed a “historic diplomatic resurgence,” particularly Liberia’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. She welcomed Liberia’s interest in joining the OIF, describing the move as a symbol of Liberia’s return to active global engagement.
“Liberia has been off the global leadership radar for quite some time,” Mushikiwabo remarked. “It is important for Liberia to become increasingly visible, present, and engaged on global platforms in light of the evolving geopolitical dynamics.” She added that organizations such as the OIF offer opportunities to strengthen alliances, gain new partners, and engage in diverse multilateral discussions that promote peace, democracy, and development.
The OIF currently comprises over 90 member states and governments, including both francophone and non-francophone nations such as Ireland, Cambodia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Romania, Austria, and Serbia. Ghana became a full-fledged member in 2025, underscoring the organization’s growing inclusivity and cross-continental appeal beyond traditional francophone lines.
The high-level Paris meeting concluded with an agreement for Liberia to finalize its application process ahead of the OIF’s next sitting in November 2026 in Cambodia. The OIF also pledged to provide technical support and specialized training for Liberian diplomats stationed in New York and Addis Ababa to strengthen their roles in UN and AU engagements, particularly in support of Liberia’s responsibilities on the UN Security Council.
As Liberia continues its diplomatic transformation, the pursuit of OIF Associate Membership signals the Boakai administration’s vision of openness, inclusivity, and proactive engagement with global partners. It marks a renewed era of international cooperation that places Liberia once again among nations shaping global dialogue and development.
