Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia sent a NOTE VERBALE to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominquez, declaring the country’s intent for a council seat in 2025.
Liberia declared its candidature for re-election to a seat in Category A on the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium during the upcoming 34th Regular Assembly session in London in December 2025.
Liberia’s continued eligibility for membership in the IMO Council, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Article l7(o) of the IMO Convention, is based on its longstanding history of dedicated involvement in the organization’s work to ensure international shipping remains safe and secure and prevents marine pollution.
Accordingly, Liberia’s re-election to IMO’s Council for the 2026-2027 biennium would significantly enhance the Organization’s capacity to pursue its constitutional mandate of uniformly and sustainably regulating global maritime transport standards.
However, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization has acknowledged receipt of Liberia’s bid for a seat on the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 term.
In a communication addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, IMO Secretary-General His Excellency Arsenio Dominquez said the communication and associated aide-memoire would be circulated to member states as part of the documentation for the said assembly session.
“The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization avails himself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia the assurance of his highest consideration”. The communication said.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ambassador Robert Kpadeh, has welcomed the IMO Secretary General’s acknowledgment of Liberia’s bid.
Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh said that with this acknowledgment, Liberia, through the Liberia Maritime Authority or LiMA, is all set to campaign vigorously to retain its seat.
“We have ensured adequate and sound representations at the IMO and have and continue to equate ourselves as a responsible leader in the enterprise of international shipping, thereby commanding the respect and confidence of fellow member states at the IMO. Hence, they have no doubt about our reelection. However, like all Council Members, we must go out and campaign for the needed votes to retain our prestigious seat as a Category A Council Member”, Ambassador Kpadeh stated.
Ambassador Kpadeh said Liberia is a very powerful maritime country, evidenced by its having the largest ship registry. As such, sitting on the council once again would greatly benefit the country and position it amongst the community of maritime nations worldwide.
“Liberia is a flag, port, and coastal state, making Liberia a profoundly unique maritime country. Our program is not just about the biggest ship registry but also about the leadership of our program. Our program is respected in the international shipping industry because it is in line with all international maritime laws and regulations.” Ambassador Kpadeh said.
“We are leading the largest fleet, and you cannot find any fraudulent activities or dark fleet. Liberia confronts to all regulations in line with international protocols under the International Maritime Organization.” He said.
Ambassador Kpadeh said the Liberian representation at the IMO is doing pretty well. Based on such leadership, the country now stands tall among maritime countries and is ready to rigorously campaign for the council seat.
Domestic Political Situation Could Affect Liberia’s Chances if…
The head of the Liberia IMO Mission, Ambassador Kpadeh, has cautioned Liberian politicians to tone down the rhetoric and desist from activities that would paint a gloomy picture of the county to the international community as Liberia strives to retain its position on the global stage.
“I like to encourage Liberians back home; we are at a critical point in our international affairs and engagements. We have to prove to the rest of the world that we are a very responsible country and that we are law-abiding in the way we govern ourselves, which will command the respect of member states at the international level.” He said.
“According to Ambassador Kpadeh, “We cannot seek a bigger position on the international front, and then we are burning down our parliament. We cannot seek a seat at the level of the United Nations and be running in the streets, engaging in lawless acts.”
According to him, Liberians back home need to complement the mission’s efforts and other institutions representing the country and strive to rebuild its international image.
“We here at the international front are working so diligently, so honourably, commanding the respect of our colleagues and asking them to vote for us. We hope you can help us by conducting yourself properly because people are looking online. They would say this is the country that is seeking seats at the IMO and UN, but the contradiction here is that they are burning their parliament; they are there jumping in the streets. We see thuggery, gangsterism, and people taking the laws into their hands. These things should not be happening. Amb. Kpadeh pleaded.
“So, we can only appeal to our leaders back home, whether you are from the opposition, no position, or are in the ruling establishment. This is the time to come together because it is about our country.” Ambassador Robert Kpadeh mentioned.
By: Trokon Seokin Wrepue, Contributor
