Liberia's Foreign Minister Pushes for Greater African Representation at UN Security Council

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, is calling for more African states to be elected, and given permanent seats at the level of the United Nations Security Council.

By: Lawrena Wesseh

The UN Security Council is structurally made up of fifteen countries from diverse continents. However, Africa has only three representatives and holds no permanent seats at the global body.

Africa's current representatives include DR Congo, Liberia, and Somalia — all serving as non-permanent members on a two-year term. Somalia's Term is certain to end in December 2026, while DR Congo's and Liberia's terms will climax in December 2027, respectively.

Speaking during a recent UN Security Council open debate, in the United States, Liberia's Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said the slots show limited representation of Africa, and noted that urgent reform steps must be taken by the Council to bridge the gap.

She called for African member states to access permanent seats with veto power, emphasizing that it would solidify the continent's role in global peacekeeping and conflict resolution missions.

Nations occupying permanent seats on the Security Council range from Asia, Europe, and North Africa, including: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While, non-permanent members occupied 10 seats, with all being rotational.

In addition, Minister Nyanti stated that Africa is one of the regions most affected by political instability, and the demand for greater representation is rooted in the principles of justice of the body's core mission.

She pointed out: “Africa’s demand is rooted in fairness, equality, and justice within the international system".

The United Nations Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

The body issues legally binding resolutions on member states, and holds powers to authorize peacekeeping missions, impose economic sanctions, and mandate military action.

Meanwhile, Nyanti expressed Liberia's commitment to advocate for stronger partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations in working to maintain peace and stability across the globe.

She said Liberia’s return to the Security Council after six decades, presents an opportunity for the country to contribute meaningfully to institutional reforms at the United Nations.

“Liberia believes that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations,” Liberia Foreign Minister said.

Sara Beysolow Nyanti at the same urged member states to uphold diplomacy in addressing global crises, warning that divisions may weaken international cooperation.

Her call comes at a time when Liberia is among African nations currently faced with regional tension. Liberia is facing a border dispute with Guinea, a situation that has triggered calls for swift resolution efforts.

Diplomats believe Liberia's push for greater African representation at the UN Security Council stemmed from the instabilities threatening the continent, and a way to urgently address prevailing tensions.

The recent UN Security Council open debate, in the United States, was held under the theme: "Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system".