Liberia has officially assumed the chairmanship of the African Group at the United Nations for February 2026, marking a new phase of leadership for the West African nation within the world body.
The transition was formalized on Friday during a handover ceremony held at the African Union Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York. Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Lewis Garseedeh Brown II, received the ceremonial gavel from Ambassador Matete Paul Nena of Lesotho, who led the group during the month of January.
The handover was overseen by the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees of Egypt, who briefed the Liberian delegation on the African Group’s agenda and the continent’s shared priorities for the month ahead.
In remarks following the ceremony, Ambassador Brown commended Lesotho for its stewardship and said Liberia was deeply honored to assume the chair. He stressed that promoting Africa’s collective interests would guide Liberia’s leadership, even as the country serves as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.
Brown also reflected on Liberia’s earlier tenure as chair, recalling that it was during that period that the first retreat of African permanent representatives to the United Nations in New York was convened — an initiative credited with strengthening coordination among African missions.
He pledged to lead the African Group with commitment, inclusiveness and a strong focus on unity as the bloc engages with key international issues throughout the month.
The African Group, which brings together all African member states at the United Nations, plays a central role in coordinating positions on peace and security, development, and other matters of common concern to the continent.
