The Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots (CDC-CoP) has called on the international community to reject Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2026, citing widespread corruption, lawlessness, and human rights violations under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
In a press conference held on March 9, 2025, CDC-CoP National Chairman Foday N. Massaquoi outlined several key concerns about the current administration’s governance, which he claims has severely undermined Liberia’s democratic institutions. Massaquoi described President Boakai’s government as a regime that has violated both national and international laws while failing to ensure peace and stability.
“The administration of President Boakai has presided over a country in turmoil,” Massaquoi said. “Under his rule, Liberia has seen 217 mysterious deaths, escalating police brutality, and ritualistic killings. The government’s inability to maintain law and order has eroded public trust in its leadership.”
Massaquoi also accused Boakai’s administration of violating key provisions of the Liberian Constitution and international law. He highlighted several constitutional infractions, including the unlawful removal of a duly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, denying equal employment opportunities, and numerous violations of anti-corruption laws. He also pointed to alleged abuses in public finance management, including claims that funds were misused to pay off an $8 million Unity Party campaign debt.
“The government has violated the Liberian Constitution and international treaties multiple times, severely damaging the integrity of our governance systems,” Massaquoi said. “From unlawful contract signings to accusations of treason, these violations reflect a government incapable of upholding the rule of law.”
The CDC-CoP leader further accused the administration of being complicit in human rights abuses, including state-sponsored violence, persecution, and repression. Massaquoi specifically criticized the government for allegedly inciting violence between the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), as well as for its failure to address internal conflicts like the ongoing land disputes in River Gee County.
Massaquoi also slammed the government’s diplomatic conduct, citing the controversial extradition of Abraham Khalid Cherif to the Guinean junta and the mass recall of 54 foreign service diplomats, which he described as politically motivated. He also questioned the integrity of the $25 million NEKOTEH Scholarship Program, which he claimed was a fraudulent scheme.
“The current government lacks the key qualifications for a UNSC seat,” Massaquoi argued. “Liberia has failed to demonstrate the diplomatic influence or commitment to the UN Charter that is required to represent the international community. This government is mired in corruption and human rights violations, and it should not be rewarded with a leadership role on the world stage.”
The CDC-CoP also warned that supporting Liberia’s UNSC bid would embolden the Boakai administration to continue its alleged abuses. “A vote for Liberia’s bid is a vote in support of corruption and state-sponsored violence,” Massaquoi declared.
Instead of seeking a prominent role in global security, Massaquoi urged Liberia’s international partners to focus on providing humanitarian aid and supporting critical areas such as police training, food security, and medical assistance. “Liberia needs international help to address its internal crises, not a position of influence on the UN Security Council,” he concluded. “Rejecting this bid is necessary for saving Liberia and the broader international community from further destabilization.”
