‘We Are One People’ -Boakai Tells Diaspora to Move Beyond Remittances

MONROVIA- President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has told Liberians abroad that money sent home alone is no longer enough. He spoke at a Maryland program held in his honor by a movement that bears his name. There, he asked the diaspora for expertise, capital and global networks. He also urged an end to tribalism, regionalism and political bitterness. The appeal comes as the government prepares its second annual national diaspora conference. It also comes at a moment of sharp political tension at home. The real challenge is turning goodwill abroad into jobs, investment and stronger institutions on the ground. As THE ANALYST reports, the President himself framed that test as moving from dialogue to delivery.

President Boakai made the appeal on Friday, September 18, at a special program held in his honor by the National Independent Movement for Boakai–USA (NIMBO-USA) at the Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, Maryland. He called on Liberians at home and abroad to rise above political, ethnic and regional divisions and work together to build a more peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Liberia.

The event brought together NIMBO-USA leaders and members, senior Liberian government officials, community leaders and Liberians from across the United States. It was organized under the leadership of NIMBO’s Vision Bearer, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas P. Fallah, and it celebrated the President’s leadership while stressing the importance of government–diaspora partnership in national development.

According to a release from the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C., signed by Minister Counselor Al-Jerome Anastas Chede, Sr., the President congratulated Deputy Speaker Fallah and the NIMBO-USA leadership for bringing Liberians together in a spirit of fellowship, patriotism and service. He also expressed appreciation for the warm reception given to him and his delegation.

One People, One Destiny

“We are one people. We share one national destiny. And we must work together to build one Liberia,” the President declared. He urged Liberians to reject tribalism, regionalism, political bitterness and personal attacks, stressing that no single political party, county, ethnic group or individual can develop Liberia alone.

Beyond Remittances

President Boakai praised Liberians abroad for their longstanding contributions through remittances, education, humanitarian aid, community initiatives and investment. Those contributions, he said, have supported families and communities and helped the country through some of its most challenging times.

However, the President said Liberia’s current development needs go beyond remittances and charitable aid. He called on diaspora Liberians to become active partners in the country’s transformation by offering professional expertise, investment capital, technology, international experience, institutional networks and access to global markets. “Liberia needs your expertise, your investment capital, your technology, your international experience, and your institutional networks,” he told the gathering.

Five Roles for the Diaspora

The President outlined five practical ways Liberians abroad can help accelerate national development. First, he urged them to promote unity and cooperation among Liberian organizations and communities overseas. Second, he asked them to invest in productive sectors capable of creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity.

Third, he called on diaspora professionals to share their knowledge and experience through mentorship, training and exchanges. Fourth, he urged them to establish partnerships between Liberian institutions and reputable international organizations. Fifth, he asked them to enhance Liberia’s image abroad while attracting responsible investors and development partners.

President Boakai linked these priorities to the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which focuses on agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, tourism and other critical areas of national transformation. He stressed that the government cannot achieve its development goals alone. Successful implementation of the national agenda, he said, will require continued collaboration among public institutions, the private sector, civil society, development partners and Liberians worldwide.

From Dialogue to Delivery

The President also highlighted the upcoming Liberia Diaspora Conference, themed “From Dialogue to Delivery: Diaspora Capital, Innovation, and the Next Liberia.” He said the conference must move beyond ceremonial engagement and general discussion to produce tangible outcomes, including credible policy proposals, institutional partnerships, investment commitments and projects that benefit the Liberian people.

The government held its first national diaspora conference in Washington, D.C., in September 2025. The Office of Diaspora Affairs has said the 2026 edition forms part of efforts to implement Liberia’s Diaspora Strategic Plan (2024–2027).

The President’s Delegation

President Boakai was accompanied by a senior government delegation that included Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh; Minister of State Without Portfolio Hadja Mamaka Bility; Director General of the Cabinet Nathaniel Kwabo; and National Security Advisor Cllr. Samuel Kofi Woods. Other officials also formed part of the delegation.

The NIMBO-USA program ended with a renewed call for unity, shared responsibility and purposeful diaspora engagement. President Boakai reminded the gathering that Liberia’s progress depends on the willingness of its citizens, wherever they reside, to work together toward a common national vision.