Liberia may be the fifth country to join Burundi, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone on the Peacebuilding Commission’s Agenda later this year.

During an informal, joint meeting of the PBC and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on 8 July, the Assistant Secretary-General of the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), Ms. Judy Cheng-Hopkins, said that Liberia would receive the consideration of the Commission as an Agenda country, together with an appeal for funding from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for the country’s peacebuilding activities.  The Commissioner for the AUPSC echoed these claims, welcoming Liberia to the PBC. 

Read their statements in IGP’s meeting report: here.

The Chair of the PBC, Ambassador Peter Wittig (Germany) acknowledged Liberia’s eventual inclusion on the PBC’s Agenda at a joint Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – PBC special event on 19 July, examining the links between peace and the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  Ambassador Wittig said he is looking forward to Liberia being placed on the Commission’s agenda.  Also speaking at the joint meeting was Liberia’s Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs, Mr. Amara Konneh.  Mr. Konneh listed his country’s priorities in achieving development goals, peace and security; for which infrastructure must be rebuilt, basic services for Liberia’s citizens must be delivered, and rule of law and reconciliation efforts must be assured – efforts which the PBC can help Liberia realize.

Read their statements in ECOSOC’s meeting summary: here.

Reportedly, Liberia has submitted an application to the Secretary-General to be placed on the PBC agenda to assist in consolidating peace within the country in order to achieve long-term development goals. Inner City Press wrote on 15 July, that “Liberia is on the cusp of becoming the fifth [PBC agenda] country… If no member [of the Security Council] objects to a letter pending in the Council, the referral will be made.”

PBC grants $US25 million to Liberia for Peacebuilding
The Peacebuilding Fund is set to contribute 25 million dollars (US) to Liberia for peacebuilding activities in the country.  An assessment mission from the PBC is expected to visit the country on August 15 for two weeks.  Following this mission, Liberia is expected to accept the funds and join the PBC’s agenda upon signing onto a peacebuilding strategy developed by the UN General Assembly in September, this year.