New UNICEF–Liberia Representative Presents Letters

The new Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – Liberia has committed his agency to supporting the Liberian Government in all of its activities affecting children, including rights, survival, development and protection.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, Dr. Suleiman Braimoh made the commitment when he presented his Letters of Credence to Foreign Minister, Ms. Marjon Kamara, at her office on Thursday, July 28.

The new UNICEF Representative to Liberia expressed delight at taking up his new assignment in Liberia and looked forward to a very close working relationship with relevant officials of the Liberian Government, according to a Foreign Ministry release.

Dr. Braimoh emphasized the need for an open relationship that is void of the normal protocols, which put plugs in the way things should work. He agreed that there were challenges, but looked forward to a dialogue when the need arises, adding, “Where there is no dialogue, one will find it difficult to move forward.”

He expressed the hope that by the time he ended his tenure of duty, he would have been able to make the situation better for the children of Liberia. Foreign Minister Kamara applauded the UNICEF-Liberia Representative for the renewed commitment to support Liberia’s children as it relates to its mandate, noting that Liberia has and continues to enjoy good working relations with UNICEF, citing the Ebola crisis where UNICEF was deeply involved in dealing with illnesses of affected children and also engaged in mobilizing resources for the children.

Minister Kamara was quite certain that Dr. Braimoh’s tenure will mark even closer collaboration with Liberia as he executes his mandate, stressing that the Foreign Ministry was always available, in addition to other line ministries, and ready to provide any support that he may need. She promised to take advantage of the invitation extended if an issue surfaces.

Dr. Braimoh -a Nigerian, replaces Mr. Sheldon Yett who has taken up another assignment. Prior to his appointment to Liberia, Dr. Braimoh served as UNICEF Representative for Eritrea from August 2013.

In this capacity, he provided overall leadership in the development and implementation of the UNICEF country program. Previously, he served as UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname from October 2009, and subsequently as UNICEF Regional Chief of Programmes and Planning for South Asia from July 2005.-Release