Liberia’s Ministry of Information announced that President George Weah intervened to reverse Liberia’s vote against a UN resolution advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Liberia was the sole African nation, and one of only ten countries in the UN General Assembly, to initially oppose the resolution, which was supported by 153 countries.
This opposition was made without President Weah’s approval, who holds ultimate authority over Liberia’s foreign policy. Reuters reported the ministry affirming President Weah’s commitment to global peace.
Additionally, the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the UN General Assembly to annul its “no” vote and to record a new vote supporting the Gaza ceasefire.
Before the UN vote, President Weah had reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November, urging restraint and consideration for civilians affected by the crisis.
George Weah, who gained fame as an international football star, is set to leave the presidency following his defeat in the November election.
The UN is currently witnessing intense negotiations ahead of the expected vote on Tuesday on a new resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to allow the entry of essential aid, as reported by CNN.
Originally scheduled for a vote on Monday, the resolution was postponed by a day to allow more time for negotiations.
At the heart of these discussions is the wording of the resolution, which aims to secure a “yes” vote or at least an abstention from the United States, a move that would facilitate the passage of the measure.
The initial draft of the resolution called for a “halt to hostilities” to enable the desperately needed aid to reach Gaza. Diplomats hoped that altering the wording to “suspension of hostilities” might garner U.S. support, according to the network.
