Liberia Shapes UN Debate on Venezuela

Liberia on Monday, January 5, 2026 emerged at the center of intense global attention as the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to address alarming reports of a United States military strike on Venezuela and the abrupt removal of President Nicolás Maduro from power.

The urgent meeting was called amid growing international concern over conflicting reports from Caracas, Washington, and regional capitals, raising fears that the unfolding situation could trigger wider instability in Latin America and reverberate across the international system.

Speaking during the high-stakes deliberations, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis Brown, delivered a firm and carefully calibrated statement on behalf of the A3 group of African non-permanent members Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.

Ambassador Brown urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy, rather than force, remain the only viable means of resolving the crisis without plunging the region into deeper turmoil.

He recalled that the A3 position is anchored in the long-standing stance of the African Union, which has consistently advocated for de-escalation in Venezuela and unwavering respect for international law, national sovereignty, and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

“The situation unfolding in Venezuela is not only a matter for the Western Hemisphere. It is a test of our collective commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the rule of law at a time of mounting global tensions,” Ambassador Brown told Council members.

The current crisis traces its origins to Venezuela’s prolonged political and economic instability, marked by years of disputed elections, international sanctions, internal polarization, and recurring standoffs between the government and opposition forces.

Tensions escalated sharply in recent weeks following renewed protests, defections within state institutions, and intensifying diplomatic pressure, culminating in reports of direct foreign military involvement and the sudden collapse of the existing political order.

Liberia’s intervention came against this complex backdrop, underscoring concerns that unilateral actions and the use of force could further inflame an already fragile situation and undermine prospects for a negotiated political settlement.

Ambassador Brown warned that continued instability in Venezuela could have serious consequences beyond its borders, affecting regional security, global energy markets, humanitarian conditions, and the credibility of the international system itself.

Liberia’s prominent role in the debate reflects its current status as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, a seat it secured following a competitive African Union endorsement process and broad support within the UN General Assembly.

This marks Liberia’s third term on the Council and signals its steady re-emergence as an active diplomatic actor nearly two decades after its own civil conflict and years of post-war reconstruction.

Observers say Liberia’s firm but balanced posture highlights its commitment to multilateralism and international norms, even as it continues to manage domestic development priorities at home.

By aligning with fellow African members and emphasizing peaceful resolution, Liberia reinforced the view that smaller states can still exert meaningful influence on critical global issues through principled diplomacy.

As Security Council deliberations continue, Liberia’s voice in the Venezuela debate stands as a reminder that, amid rising geopolitical rivalries, collective engagement and respect for international law remain indispensable to maintaining global peace and security.