After His Earlier Skepticism
PHOTO: Former President George Manneh Weah
By Our Staff Writer
Back in September 2024, former Liberian President George Manneh was skeptical about Liberia’s bid to secure a non-permanent member seat on the UN Security Council in his response to an invitation extended him by Foreign Minister Nyanti to join the lobbying team for the bid.
In his response to the letter from the Boakai government, he gave preconditions to joining the lobbying team, saying that ‘while he has always supported Liberia’s aspiration for a UN Security Council seat, the country’s domestic policies must reflect the values it seeks to promote globally.’ Ex-Pres. Weah Skeptical About Liberia’s Bid To Secure A Non-Permanent Seat On UN Security Council – News Public Trust
This was the Voice of America (VOA) headline on September 20, 2025: “Former Liberian President Weah gives condition for nation’s UN seat bid.” Former Liberian President Weah gives condition for nation’s UN seat bid
But now, in a statement released Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Mr. Weah congratulated the Government of Liberia, led by President Joseph Boakai, for bringing the country’s bid across the finish line. But behind the scenes, this moment represents the realization of a process that began under Weah’s leadership.
So, unlike former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Mr. Weah was visibly absent from the lobbying team both at home and abroad.
To the delight of many, after Liberia finally got elected on June 3, 2025, ex-President Weah published a congratulatory message hailing the country’s election to the UN Security Council.
“When we began this journey, the goal was clear: to claim Liberia’s rightful place on the world stage and advance global peace and security,” the former president said. “Now, with this opportunity, we reaffirm our commitment to championing these ideals while advocating tirelessly for Liberia.”
“I extend heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Liberia, led by President Joseph Boakai, for ensuring that this monumental national aspiration came to a successful conclusion,” Weah said.
“I call on all Liberians to use this landmark achievement to work in the collective interest of our common patrimony, Liberia,” former President Weah urged.
In his address to the nation shortly after the UN Security Council’s election, his successor President Joseph Boakai refuse to mention ex-President Weah in his credit line but instead named former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and few other past Presidents of Liberia.
This has ignited condemnations from Weah’s supporters and other quarters.