Liberia’s bid for UN seat under threat 

Former Presidential Candidate and Human Rights Lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe says behavior exhibited by members of the majority bloc against ECOWAS officials may likely undermine the country’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.

By Lincoln G. Peters

Monrovia, Liberia, April 4, 2025 – Renowned Liberian Human Rights Lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe warns here that the conduct of the “majority bloc” and its approval by President Joseph N. Boakai and the Liberian Senate, including refusal to cooperate with two ECOWAS delegations has a potential to undermining Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Cllr. Gongloe, in an opinion on the government’s bid for the UN non-permanent seat and the saga at the House of Representatives on Thursday, April 3, 2025 said despite the Supreme Court of Liberia’s ruling on the matter, sadly, the Executive Branch and the Senate have chosen to recognize these actions of the majority bloc.

He further indicates that such disregard for the country’s highest court’s decision is a flagrant violation of the Constitution of Liberia.

“The conduct of the “majority block” and its approval by President Boakai and the Liberian Senate has the potential of undermining Liberia’s bid for non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Moreover, it is appalling that these dissident lawmakers—breakers of our organic law—refused to cooperate with two ECOWAS delegations, one led by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, and another led by the highly respected Professor Ibrahim Gambare”, he warns. 

Cllr. Gongloe, also a former Solicitor General of Liberia, discloses that Liberia’s status as a beacon of democracy in Africa is at stake, and no one who truly loves the country should stand idly and watch the Constitution being trampled underfoot.

He encourages Liberians that they owe it to themselves, their children, and to the legacy of all those who fought for the democracy to reject such unconstitutional, shameful actions, petitioning that may God guide the country and bring it back to a place of honor, respect, and adherence to the constitutional principles upon which Liberia was founded.

He adds that from all indications, the majority block was openly disrespectful and plainly rude to both delegations. 

Cllr. Gongloe argues that it is inconceivable that the majority block failed to recognize Professor Ibrahim Gambari’s stature as an eminent African public servant and diplomat, who has held several positions in Nigeria and the United Nations.

“Additionally, no well-informed Liberian who knows about the role Liberia played in world history will ever conduct himself in the manner in which members of the “majority block” of the House of Representatives are conducting themselves towards officials of ECOWAS”, he laments. 

He says the behavior of the majority bloc is not only an abuse of power, but a notorious display of ignorance and naiveté that is unbefitting the most basic standards for lawmakers.

“Amidst all these missteps, I remain an eternal optimist and cannot give up on Liberia. In the words of soldiers at the battlefront, I say to all well-meaning Liberians at home and abroad: ‘No retreat, no surrender!’ The struggle for a better Liberia must continue until we elect and appoint officials who tenaciously hold the conviction that government is a place to serve, not to steal. Let us, as citizens, remain vigilant and committed to upholding the rule of law”, Cllr. urges. Editing by Jonathan Browne