Despite its suspension from the African Union (AU), Mali has pledged its support for Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term.
This show of diplomatic support occurred during a visit to Bamako by a Liberian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti on March 13, 2025. The delegation was received by Malian Transition President General Assimi Goita.
The meeting allowed Liberia to formally request Mali’s backing in its campaign for the Security Council seat. While Mali has been suspended from the AU since August 2020 and recently withdrew from ECOWAS, it maintains an active role in international diplomacy.
Mali’s strategic relationships with permanent Security Council members Russia and China could prove beneficial to Liberia’s candidacy. As the leader of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali can also leverage its influence within organizations like CILSS and CEN-SAD to garner support for Liberia.
Currently, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia hold the non-permanent African seats on the Security Council, with terms extending from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.
Mali’s decision to support Liberia’s bid underscores its commitment to remaining a significant player on the international stage, despite facing internal political challenges and international sanctions.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA