Liberia's election to the Security Council puts U.S. ties to the test

Liberia's May election to a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) declares a new chapter for its global engagement, marking a historic milestone for the nation's international reemergence. This is the second time Liberia has joined the UNSC since 1961. This significant achievement underscores its close diplomatic ties with the United States. Founded in 1847 due to efforts by the American Colonization Society to return freed blacks to Africa, the West African nation has maintained close ties with its top diplomatic partner for more than a century. The U.S. has played a role in mitigating Liberia's two civil wars as well as aided during the Ebola outbreak.

With its election to the UNSC, Liberia could be at a crossroads if it contradicts any US-supported resolution. The body has five permanent members, including the United States, who can wield vetoes.

While some permanent member states, like Britain and France, are conservative with their veto powers, the U.S. has vetoed almost two-thirds of the resolutions in the past decade. The United States recently vetoed the UN's resolutions on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access. The U.S. argued that the resolution would hinder the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement.

Liberia, having experienced two deadly civil wars, promised to champion peace and protect the interests of the African continent. However, questions still linger over its future position at the UNSC assembly. Will it contradict its long-time diplomatic partner or champion its course?

What Monrovia has promised

Deputy Foreign Minister Deweh Gray of Liberia has reassured that her country will stand in solidarity with the African common position, affirming that 'Liberia's vote is a vote for Africa.'

She further said Liberia has an "unwavering commitment to make a difference for all to help tackle current global challenges, including conflicts and climate change."

Liberia's President Joseph Boakai said in a statement that the election was a victory for Africa.

"Our election is not just a national achievement. It symbolizes African perseverance and is a tribute to generations of Liberians who have held firm to freedom, self-governance, and global solidarity," President Boakai said. The representatives of the nations will begin working in the UN body responsible for global peace and security in 2026 and continue until the end of 2027.

Washington-Liberia relations

Since its inception, the U.S. has played an essential role in Liberia's security, economy and health system. In 2003, a joint task force, mainly comprised of U.S. forces, was deployed in Liberia to respond to the crisis developed during its second civil war. A conflict that led to the death of at least 200,000 people, thousands mutilated and raped while also displacing at least one million civilians.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama sent approximately 3,000 US troops to Liberia in 2014 to respond to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. USAID-administered funds to Liberia totaled $129.6 million in the financial year 2022. U.S. Firestone Natural Rubber Company is one of the largest private entities in Liberia and accounts for almost 95% of U.S. imports from the West African nation. Despite the majority of African countries failing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, former President George Weah joined Washington and 90 different United Nations members in supporting a resolution condemning Moscow.

What's next for Liberia?

When Liberia was first elected to the seat in 1961, it advocated for the decolonization of Africa, support for a rules-based international order and fundamental human rights. The war-torn nation will have to decide whether to support atrocities in Gaza while also condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine or condemn both wars. Will it stand by the U.S., which enjoys veto powers, or will it align with other members of the UN Security Council?