Boakai appoints Elias Shoniyin, others

These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to enhance Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, strengthen international partnerships, and advance the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

Monrovia, January 31, 2025: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed Elias Shoniyin and several distinguished group of individuals as Ambassadors at Large to the Policy Advisory Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Their appointment by the president is meant to enhance Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, strengthen international partnerships, and advance the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

Shoniyin, Liberia’s former Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Cooperation & Integration, is now the Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy at Cuttington University, Liberia.

Shoniyin is an international affairs, development, and policy professional and former diplomat with over 25 years in nonprofit and public service. 

He served in multiple positions where he made significant contributions to Liberia’s post-conflict recovery and development.

Mr. Shoniyin’s current roles as Managing Director/Managing Partner of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA) and Dean of the School of Global Affairs & Policy, Cuttington University, Liberia, are complemented by earlier portfolios.

They include World Fellow at Yale University, Principal Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia in two successive administrations, Deputy Foreign Minister for International Economic Cooperation & Integration, and Assistant Foreign Minister for International Cooperation & Economic Affairs, among others. 

Some highlights in these roles include his coordination of resource mobilization during Liberia’s Ebola outbreak from 2014-2016, his supervision of the Liberia Foreign Service, and his contribution to contextualizing Liberia’s post-conflict foreign policy.

 Mr. Shoniyin’s leadership inspired strategic reforms in all spheres of Liberia’s Foreign Ministry and the diplomatic service of Liberia.

He played a pivotal role in deepening Liberia’s post-conflict cooperation with friendly nations and exploring cooperation opportunities on new frontiers.

In recognition of his outstanding work and achievements, Mr. Shoniyin has received numerous honors and awards from esteemed institutions locally and internationally. 

For his distinguished service to the government and people of Liberia, he was admitted into The Humane Order of African Redemption and conferred the rank of Knight Commander. 

Others include Resolution of Honor—New York Legislative Assembly, Resolution of Honor—New York Senate, Resolution of Honor—New York City Council, Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) Honoris Causa, Carver Christian University, Liberia, and Excellence in Leadership—Africa Caribbean Business Council in Washington, among many others.

The Executive Mansion says these appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to enhancing Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, strengthening international partnerships, and advancing the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

The appointees for the position of Ambassadors at Large to the Policy Advisory Council include Ambassador Blamoh Nelson, Member; Ambassador Ethel Davis, Member; Chris Moore, Member; and Robert Lormia, Member.

President Boakai also appointed Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh as Ambassador at Large for Special Duties, working under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the government’s strategic diplomatic initiatives.