United Nations, New York – June 3, 2025 – Liberia has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone, securing a non-permanent seat on the prestigious United Nations Security Council for a two-year term commencing in January 2026. The West African nation was elected alongside Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Latvia during a ballot held today at the UN General Assembly.
These five newly elected nations will serve through the end of 2027 on the pivotal UN body primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security. Their tenure will see them actively participate in critical decisions concerning global conflicts, peacekeeping operations, sanctions, and other measures aimed at upholding international stability.
Upon taking their seats, Liberia, Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Latvia will join the five non-permanent members elected last year – Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia – whose terms extend through 2026. This composition ensures a continuous rotation and diverse representation within the Council.
The Security Council, the most powerful organ of the United Nations, comprises 15 members. Five of these are permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – each holding the crucial power of veto over resolutions. The remaining ten members are non-permanent, elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms, with half of these seats coming up for election each year.
The election process is conducted annually by secret ballot within the 193-member General Assembly. Seats are allocated according to regional groups, ensuring equitable geographical representation. To secure a seat, a candidate country must garner a two-thirds majority of votes from the member states present and voting. Liberia’s successful bid underscores its growing diplomatic influence and commitment to global peace and security. This will provide Liberia with a prominent platform to advocate for its national and regional interests on the world stage, particularly concerning issues affecting West Africa and the broader African continent.