Following a formal handover ceremony at the African Union Observer Mission to the UN in New York on Friday, January 30, 2026, Liberia has taken over as chair of the African Group at the UN for February 2026.
Liberia’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Lewis Garseedeh Brown II, received the gavel of power from Lesotho’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Matete Paul Nena, who led the group in January.
The handover was assisted by the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the UN, Ambassador Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees of Egypt, who informed the Liberian delegation on the group’s program of work and Africa’s collective priorities for the month.
In reponse, Ambassador Brown commended Lesotho for its leadership and asserted that Liberia was honored to guide the African Group, emphasizing that Africa’s shared interests will remain Liberia’s top priority, regardless of its present stint as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and pledged to lead the group with dedication.
