By: Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on Diaspora Liberians to return home and join in the rebuilding process of the Country.
Speaking at the historic first Liberia annual Diaspora Conference in Washington DC, President Boakai acknowledged the immense contributions Diaspora Liberians have made to their Country as such, he stated that this is the time for them to do more by playing an active part as Stakeholders on the Liberian soil.
According to him, one of the key objectives of engaging the Diaspora community through the Conference is to provide a platform for Diaspora Liberians to join their Kingman at home on the national journey.
President Boakai reminded them that their views, ideas, expertise, networks, and resources are critical to rebuilding Liberia not just for today, but for succeeding generations of Liberians.
Liberia he told the gathering is at a crossroads, the Country holds so much promise, but that promise, as envisioned originally by the founders, has faced many stumbling blocks.
However, all is not lost as the Liberian leader is of the believe that together, Liberians collectively can build a country with a vision that aims to create a functional and fair society for future generations.
“I invite you, Liberians in the Diaspora, to join me on this journey, Your country needs you now more than ever and in the words of former US President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” he added.
At the same time, he reassured Diaspora Liberians that they will not be treated as observers but as full Stakeholders in Liberia’s future.
Speaking on the theme: “Building the Future Together: Reconciliation, National Healing, Growth, and Prosperity” he re-emphasized that the Liberian Diaspora remains a vital force in the Country’s collective effort to build a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Liberia.
The 2025 Diaspora Conference, he indicated brings together Liberians from across the globe North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, and beyond demonstrating the strength, diversity, and global reach of the Liberian people abroad.
“Your remittances have kept families fed, children in school, and homes together. They are lifelines of love and sacrifice. So now that you have given fish, teach us to fish”, he added.
He historicized that for decades, Diaspora have played a crucial role in Liberia’s national journey, and as the nation now stand at the threshold of a new era of renewal and transformation, their continued engagement is more vital than ever.
According to him, Rebranding Liberia and transforming the society cannot be done by the government alone; it requires Diaspora Liberians active, sustained, and intentional involvement.
He encouraged Diaspora Liberians to put their money where their mouth is thereby going beyond sentiment and stepping into action by lending their skills, networks, knowledge, and resources to drive change back home.
“You have built wealth, contributed to the countries you currently reside in, and some of you have planted your feet in corporate America and the corporate world at large and now, We need you to apply that experience and knowledge back home in Liberia as well, Engage and grow the private sector to drive productivity and growth”, he urged them.
The Chief Executive responding to concerns of Diaspora Liberians ranging from security, infrastructure, Healthcare, Education, utilities and essential services among others was hasten to say that their concerns are legitimate.
At the same time, he reassured them that his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that is transparent, accountable, and inclusive, one that welcomes them to return home in order to , provide opportunities, including collaboration on the establishment of a Diaspora Investment Fund, in order to protect theie investment.
“Together, let us seize this moment and build a future where all Liberians, whether at home or abroad, can proudly and equally share in the promise, dignity, and opportunity of our nation”, he noted.
Speaking about the venue, the United States of America that holds the largest number of Diaspora Liberians, he disclosed that
Liberia’s historical connection to the U.S. is well known but after 178 years of independence, he urged Liberians to take a sober reflection and rethink and ask themselves how are they are using such relationship to change Liberia for the better?
“While we expect more from our traditional partner, we must also be honest with ourselves, We cannot ask others to invest in us if we mismanage our own resources, We must demonstrate that we are worthy of partnership by upholding the rule of law, fighting corruption, and delivering for our people”, he re-emphasized.
President Boakai additionally stressed that his government remains committed to ensuring a better Liberia and looks forward to working with the United States on common priorities including democratic consolidation, economic cooperation, global security issues, climate action among others.
“We must strengthen the relationship in ways that work for both countries for the benefit of our peoples”, he reechoed.
The Liberian leader told the gathering that as his government moves forward in changing the narratives for the better, The road ahead will not be easy, The problems he acknowledged are real and daunting but with collective resolve, they are not insurmountable.
“I have always believed that Liberia is not a poor country. Liberia’s progress has been held back by the lack of sustained, inclusive, and forward-looking leadership necessary to unlock its potential and foster long-term development and that is what I am committed to providing”, he added.
However, he informed Diaspora Liberians that no president, no government, no party can achieve such alone, adding that they must work together, citizens at home and abroad, to build a functional and inclusive society.
President Boakai used the occasion to acll for a renew national commitment to Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.
He said as the first independent Black Republic in Africa, Liberia symbolized hope for returnees from slavery in America and everyone seeking self-determination.
However, he pointed out that the reality of the Country’s statehood has not always matched its founding ideals.
He disclosed that the development of the Liberian state has been fraught with political exclusion, economic inequality, and social divisions, mainly due to poor leadership and systemic injustice.
According to him, for too long, the Nation and people have prioritized building the state over building the nation something he said has led to state exploitation, elite control of public institutions, persistent poverty, and limited opportunities for most people nothing that forgotten that neglect of any in society can become an Achilles heel.
