Liberia, under the directive of President George Weah, has overturned its initial rejection of a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, marking a significant shift in the West African nation’s stance on the matter.
Announced by the Liberian Information Ministry on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry swiftly took steps to reverse the earlier dissenting vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and replaced it with support for the ceasefire in Gaza.
The ministry clarified that the diplomats who originally voted against the ceasefire did so without President Weah’s endorsement, emphasising that Weah has consistently advocated for peace on a global scale.
President Weah’s proactive involvement stemmed from a heartfelt appeal conveyed in a letter addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November. In the letter, Weah urged restraint and underscored the plight of civilians as the primary victims amidst the ongoing crisis.
During the U.N. vote on December 12, Liberia stood as the sole African nation among a mere ten countries out of the 193-member General Assembly to oppose the resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants, despite garnering support from 153 countries.
The Liberian Foreign Ministry’s plea to reverse the initial ‘NO’ vote reflects the nation’s renewed commitment to supporting the Gaza ceasefire.
Weah, a former international soccer star, is set to conclude his presidency following an unsuccessful re-election bid in November. Despite challenges and allegations of corruption during his tenure, Weah’s graceful acceptance of electoral defeat offers hope for a smooth transition of power in Liberia, a testament to the nation’s evolving political landscape.
This shift in Liberia’s stance underlines President Weah’s dedication to fostering peace and solidarity, amplifying Liberia’s voice on the global stage in support of humanitarian causes.
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