-Boakai Tells Liberian Diaspora
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has declared that Liberia is at a turning point and called on Liberians in the diaspora to take an active stake in rebuilding the nation. Speaking Friday, September 26, 2025 at the Liberian Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C, under the theme “Building the Future Together: Reconciliation, National Healing, Growth, and Prosperity,” Boakai stressed that Liberia’s rebirth and transformation require the collective commitment of all its citizens, both at home and abroad. “You will not be treated as observers, but as full stakeholders in Liberia’s future,” he said, describing the gathering as a historic platform for engagement, policy dialogue, and partnership with the diaspora community.
He recalled that the conference was an idea he first introduced during engagements with diaspora Liberians before his election and inauguration. “I believed then, as I do now, that formalizing this partnership is essential to the renewal and rebuilding of our country,” he declared, noting that Liberia can no longer afford to sideline its diaspora population.
Reflecting on Liberia’s 178-year history, Boakai said the country’s founding ideals of freedom, equality, and human dignity have too often been undermined by exclusion, inequality, and poor leadership. “For too long, we have prioritized building the state over building the nation,” he asserted. “This has led to state exploitation, elite control of public institutions, persistent poverty, and limited opportunities for most people.”
The President outlined the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development—Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, Tourism, and Technology—as the framework for rebuilding Liberia and aligning with the National Vision 2030. He noted that while progress has been made in healthcare, education, road development, governance, and anti-corruption efforts, “more should be done, and quickly too.”
Highlighting governance reform, Boakai declared: “Governance should no longer be a privilege for a select few, but a responsibility for everyone. The days of benevolent leadership are gone.” He pledged to decentralize decision-making, empower local governments, and strengthen accountability through initiatives like the Performance Management and Compliance System.
On economic transformation, the President stressed the need to move beyond resource extraction toward inclusive growth. “We must replace growth without development with growth that delivers development,” he said. “By reinvesting revenue into infrastructure, health, education, and job creation, we can reduce poverty and build a more equitable society.”
Addressing Liberia’s historical divisions, Boakai warned that reconciliation is non-negotiable. “Overlooking impurity and expecting peaceful co-existence is like plaiting hair without first picking the louse,” he said. “Since peace was restored in 2003, we have been on a long and difficult journey to rebuild ourselves, restore broken trust, and redefine our identity. We must come together, confront our difficult past, and begin to build a future rooted in truth, justice, and compassion.”
Turning directly to the diaspora community, Boakai praised their sacrifices and remittances. “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 urged. He challenged diaspora Liberians to move beyond sentiment into action by lending skills, networks, and investments to drive productivity and growth at home.
He further assured that his administration would create a secure, transparent, and inclusive environment for their return. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment that welcomes your return, protects your investment, and collaborates with you on establishing a Diaspora Investment Fund,” he pledged.
On Liberia’s ties with the United States, Boakai called for a stronger, more balanced partnership. “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 said, adding that cooperation should focus on democracy, economic growth, security, and climate action.
President Boakai in conclusion called on Liberians to rally collective efforts to surmount Liberia challenges. “The road ahead will not be easy. The problems we face are real and daunting. But with collective resolve, they are not insurmountable. Liberia is not a poor country; it is a country held back by the lack of inclusive, forward-looking leadership. That is what I am committed to providing.”
Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, he reminded the diaspora: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” He ended with a rallying cry: “Together, we can build a country with a vision that aims to create a functional and fair society for future generations. Let us Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
