By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, October 13, 2026 — Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating colonialism in all its forms while calling for renewed international efforts to resolve the Western Sahara dispute and end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war through diplomacy.
The government also urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, unrestricted humanitarian access and full respect for international humanitarian law.
Liberia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Baba Sillah, presented the country’s position on Western Sahara and decolonization during the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026, in New York.
Sillah reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to ending colonialism and called for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
He expressed Liberia’s support for the efforts of UN Secretary-General António Guterres and his Personal Envoy to facilitate a political settlement of the longstanding Western Sahara dispute.
The Liberian envoy reiterated the government’s support for the Kingdom of Morocco and its autonomy proposal, describing it as the most realistic and feasible basis currently available for advancing the UN-led political process.
He also encouraged Morocco, the Frente POLISARIO, Algeria and Mauritania to engage constructively in negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting political solution.
Sillah urged the parties to demonstrate political will, flexibility and realism while respecting the ceasefire and avoiding actions or statements that could deepen mistrust or threaten regional stability.
He emphasized the importance of a negotiated settlement that promotes peace, stability and dignity for the people affected by the dispute.
Liberia Calls for Peace in Ukraine
Meanwhile, Liberia has called for intensified diplomatic efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and ensure the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.
Liberia’s Political Coordinator to the United Nations Security Council, Prutus Sackie, presented the country’s position during Friday’s Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine.
Sackie emphasized the need for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, hospitals, schools, humanitarian workers and essential civilian infrastructure.
“We must strengthen the protection of civilians by ending attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, ensuring full compliance with international humanitarian law, and facilitating safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need,” he stated.
The Liberian diplomat urged the Security Council to intensify diplomatic engagement toward an immediate ceasefire and a just, comprehensive and lasting peace consistent with the Charter of the United Nations.
He stressed that any peaceful settlement must respect the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
According to Sackie, the urgency of ending the conflict must be matched by a willingness among the parties to pursue meaningful dialogue.
He noted that achieving peace does not necessarily require agreement on every disputed issue at the outset, but demands a commitment to ending human suffering, protecting innocent lives and creating opportunities for negotiations.
Liberia reaffirmed its support for credible international efforts aimed at ending the war through a peaceful settlement consistent with the UN Charter.
The government’s appeal follows concerns raised by UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, who warned on September 23 that the conflict was entering a dangerous new phase.
DiCarlo highlighted the increasing human cost of the war, the risk of further escalation and the consequences of possible miscalculations.
Liberia’s statements on Western Sahara and Ukraine reflect its stated support for multilateral diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution and international cooperation through the United Nations.
The post Liberia Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Colonialism appeared first on Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news.