While the former footballer should pass the torch to his successor Joseph Boakai in January, he had to reorganize his diplomats following an imbroglio at the UN. In a United Nations Security Council vote on the Gaza conflict on Tuesday, some spoke out against a new resolution calling for an “urgent cessation of hostilities.” And this is contrary to Liberia’s official position.
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In a statement released late Tuesday, Liberia’s information ministry said its diplomats voted without the approval of George Weah Who ” as president, has final say on foreign policy “.
The identity of these diplomats has not yet been revealed. According to observers, the permanent representative of Liberia was absent when her country voted against a ceasefire in Gaza. The only African state to take such a position.
This decision was strongly criticized by the Liberian population who remain very attached to the rights of the Palestinian people. Under fire from criticism, George Weah even had to intervene with the General Assembly to cancel the first vote and request a new one, this time, in favor of the ceasefire.
After his vote at the UN against a ceasefire in Gaza. President George Weah’s office says Liberia’s ambassador made the decision without the president’s advice. President Weah has written to the UN to change Liberia’s vote from NO to YES to a ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/Hbmkhxfxlp
— Hervé Doumbia (@almouslime) December 20, 2023
“ Most diplomats act without respecting instructions”
How can we explain such an imbroglio? Today there is a gap between the president, diplomats and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs », According to Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei, political scientist. And to add on these internal dissensions: “ Most diplomats act without respecting the instructions of the Ministry of the Interior. The president is widely criticized across the country for allowing this situation to happen and only reacting after the vote “.
George Weah’s intervention at the UN is therefore also explained by his desire to preserve a good image in the eyes of Liberians and not to be perceived as a president who condones the suffering of the Palestinians, and this before his departure on January 22 next.