London – On December 5, 2024, Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sent a NOTE VERBALE to the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominquez, declaring the country’s intent for a council seat in 2025.
Liberia has declared its candidacy for re-election to a seat in Category A on the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 biennium during the upcoming 34th Regular Assembly session in London, December 2025.
Liberia’s continued eligibility for membership on IMO’s Council, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Article 17(o) of the IMO Convention, is based on its longstanding history of dedicated involvement in the work of the organization towards ensuring international shipping remains safe, secure, and prevents marine pollution.
Accordingly, it is envisaged that Liberia’s reelection to IMO’s Council for the 2026-2027 biennium would contribute significantly toward enhancing the Organization’s capacity to pursue its constitutional mandate in terms of regulating global maritime transport standards uniformly and sustainably.
However, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization has acknowledged receipt of Liberia’s bid for a seat on the IMO Council for the 2026-2027 term.
In a communication addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, IMO Secretary General His Excellency Arsenio Dominquez said the communication and associated aide-memoire will be circulated to member states as part of the documentation for the said session of the assembly.
“The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization avails himself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia the assurance of his highest consideration.” The communication said.
Liberia’s Permanent Representative to IMO
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ambassador Robert Kpadeh, has welcomed the acknowledgement of Liberia’s bid by the IMO Secretary General.
Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh said with this acknowledgement, Liberia, through the Liberia Maritime Authority or LiMA is all set to campaign vigorously to retain its seat.
“We have ensured adequate and sound representations at the IMO and have continued to equate ourselves as a responsible leader in the enterprise of international shipping, thereby commanding respect and confidence of fellow member states at the IMO. Hence, they have no doubt with our reelection bit. However, like all Council Members, we must go all out and campaign for the needed votes to retain our prestigious seat as a Category A Council Member,” Ambassador Kpadeh stated.
Ambassador Kpadeh said Liberia is a very powerful maritime country, evidenced by it being the largest ship registry, and as such, sitting on the council once again would greatly benefit the country and position it amongst the comity of maritime nations worldwide.
“Liberia is a flag state, port state, and coastal state, so that makes Liberia a profoundly unique maritime country. Our program is not just about the biggest ship registry but the leadership of our program. Our program is respected in the enterprise of the international shipping because our program conforms to all international maritime laws and regulations.” Ambassador Kpadeh said.
“We are leading the largest fleet, and you cannot find any fraudulent activities or any dark fleet. Liberia conforms to all regulations in line with international protocols under the International Maritime Organization.” He said.
Ambassador Kpadeh said the Liberian representation at the IMO is doing pretty well and that based on such leadership, the country now stands tall among maritime countries and is ready to rigorously campaign for the council seat.
Domestic Political Situation Could Affect Liberia’s Chances if…
The head of the Liberia IMO Mission, Ambassador Kpadeh, has cautioned Liberian politicians to tone down the rhetoric and desist from activities that would paint a gloomy picture of the country to the international community as Liberia strives to retain its position on the international stage.
“I like to encourage Liberians back home; we are at a very critical point in our international affairs and international engagements. We got to prove to the rest of the world that we are a very responsible country and that we are law-abiding in the way we govern ourselves that will command the respect of member states at the international level.” He said.
“According to Ambassador Kpadeh, ‘We cannot be seeking a bigger position on the international front and then we be burning down our parliament. We cannot be seeking a seat at the level of the United Nations and be running in the streets, engaging into lawless acts.”
According to him, Liberians back home need to compliment the efforts of the mission and other institutions that are representing the country and striving to rebuild its image at the international level.
“We here at the international front are working so diligently, so honorably, commanding the respect of our colleagues and asking them to vote for us. We want you to help us by conducting yourself properly because people are looking on the internet. They would say this is the country that is seeking seats at the IMO and UN, but the contradiction here is that they are burning their parliament, they are there jumping in the streets. We see thuggery, gangsterism, and people taking the law into their own hands. These things should not be happening. Amb. Kpadeh pleaded.
“So we can only appeal to our leaders back home; whether you are from the opposition, have no position, or are in the ruling establishment, this is the time for us to come together, because it is about our country.” Ambassador Robert Kpadeh mentioned.
