Mr. President, esteemed officials and members of the Liberian United Mandingo for Development in France (LUMDF),
Our respected elders
Distinguished guests
My fellow Liberians
Perspective Prelude:
It is with profound humility and earnest appreciation that I stand before you this evening to speak at this momentous occasion, marking the induction of your new leadership and your celebration of EID: the festive ceremony marking the breaking of your fast. May God Almighty Himself answer our collective prayers for the development of country and its people. This is not only a moment of celebration of progress within your organization, but also a testament to the enduring unity and resilience of the Liberian community in France, especially our proud Mandingo community.
As many of you may know, I officially entered France on Sunday, February 9 and assumed my duties as Liberia’s Ambassador to France on Monday, February 10, 2025. I have been entrusted with a critical mission: to represent the Republic of Liberia with honor, dignity, and steadfast commitment. My service extends to all Liberians, regardless of political belief, religious conviction, or ethnic background – across France and our areas of concurrent accreditations, including Cyprus, Greece, Monaco, Portugal, and Spain, Switzerland.
More importantly, I carry the distinct mandate to promote and advance the bold and inclusive vision of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, a vision firmly rooted in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). This transformative agenda focuses on revitalizing key sectors of our commonwealth: Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. Through this agenda, we have embarked on the process of building a Liberia where opportunities are plentiful, and prosperity is shared by all.
As your ambassador, I am here not only to serve but to genuinely connect, listen with intent, and work with all of you. As Liberians far and near, our unity is our strength, and our development is our shared destination. Together we can build stronger bridges between Liberia and France, as well as across Europe, creating meaningful pathways that benefit us all today and secure a brighter future for our children and generations to come.
Upon my arrival, the Embassy extended an invitation to the leaderships of various Liberian organizations for a meet-and-greet, which provided me an opportunity to engage with community leaders, including your esteemed leadership. Furthermore, on Friday, March 7, 2025, on the occasion of the presentation of my letters of credence to President Emmanuel Macron of France, I also invited the leaderships of the Liberian community to a dinner, and your leadership was present. During this occasion, I clearly expressed President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s vision for economic growth and development, peace and reconciliation and the agenda of economic and development diplomacy I have been commissioned to pursue tirelessly in the supreme interest of our commonwealth-Liberia.
Understanding the challenges the Liberia community in France is faced with, and passionate about President Boakai’s vision to work in your interest, I appointed a prominent Liberian female, Mrs. Inez Saydee Pennue, to serve as my Peace Ambassador with the singular most important mandate of bringing the entire Liberian community in France under one umbrella. I am informed that initial engagements have kicked off, and a workable framework is being developed that will settle the long-standing challenges the community has faced while living in France.
I understand that the lack of unity within the community has unfortunately hindered the opportunity for the larger Liberian umbrella organization in Europe to bring the celebration of Liberia’s National Independence to France. It is high time that we put an immediate end to this troubling reality. It is against this backdrop that I gleefully accepted your invitation to speak to you on the theme: “Unity in the Liberian Community and Development.”
Unification in the Liberian Community
Kindly permit me to let you know that we are all ambassadors of Liberia, representing the country’s cultural heritage, image, and dignity. Hence, how we do what we do, why we do what we do, when we do what we do and where we do what we do need to be gingerly studied before we do what we do. We are linked by our culture and language(s), making us one family and one people, regardless of where we live in France or where we come from in Liberia. Our religious backgrounds and tribal differences cannot, must not and should not separate us as a community.
We uphold our culture as Liberians when we unite and work together as a community, not in segments or fractured organizations. With this, I want to encourage your community to be part of championing a single goal: the establishment of an umbrella Liberian organization that will foster the general well-being of Liberians and holistically work with the Embassy as a body to bring pride to Mama Liberia.
It is not lost on me that it is very necessary that your individual organizations exist. I am only but emphasizing and amplifying at once that we can better protect ourselves in the diaspora when we work together, recognizing that unity makes us stronger and happier. Forming an umbrella institution as a community gives you a strong voice to amplify advocacy for change, both in our community and at home. It also allows you to foster our unique culture and enhance the sense of identity as Liberians. Doing so will go a mighty long way in building a social network that supports one another, and to give back to our people in Liberia.
We left Liberia for different reasons: some for greener pastures, and some for safety. No matter what the reason is, we should never ever allow historical missteps, misunderstandings and slippages that once separated us to find means of continually impacting our togetherness. No! Never again!
As a people far away from home and in France, when we choose love over hate, togetherness over separation, and peace over conflict, we promote the spirit of Liberia that calls for unity in diversity as a cornerstone national progress and development. We must learn to cooperate rather than separate through unnecessarily competing against each other simply to prove a point. We must unite to grow stronger because division weakens our collective efforts.
Your Contribution to Liberia’s Development
As I previously indicated, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development is very intentional about developing our land. Our beloved President seeks to build our economy by utilizing our natural resources, attracting investments in critical sectors, and leveraging the service industry to diversify Liberia’s economy. His passion is driven by his unceasing desire and determined action to lift Liberians out of poverty, backwardness, underdevelopment and make our country a better place for the current and future generations.
Predicated upon the aforementioned, I now seek your permission to allow me to highlight some of the promising opportunities that can meaningfully engage our community in France and beyond:
1. Diaspora Investment Networks
We will work to establish dedicated investment forums that connect Liberian entrepreneurs in France and across Europe with viable opportunities back home. These platforms will offer insights into government incentives, investment security, and high-potential sectors in Liberia that are ready for growth.
2. Agribusiness Partnerships
With agriculture at the heart of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, our diaspora can explore partnerships for agro-processing ventures, supply chain collaborations, and technology transfer. Modern farming techniques and equipment from Europe can help boost Liberia’s productivity and food security.
3. Tourism and Cultural Promotion
Our rich cultural heritage, including Mandingo traditions, deserves global recognition. Through cultural festivals, tourism exchanges, and partnerships with French travel agencies, we can showcase Liberia’s beauty and vibrancy, generating revenue while strengthening our global identity.
4. Educational and Vocational Exchange Programs
We will seek partnerships with academic institutions in France to provide scholarships, professional training, and exchange programs for young Liberians. By investing in education and skills development, we are investing in Liberia’s long-term prosperity.
5. Real Estate and Infrastructure Development
There is a growing demand for housing, hospitality, and infrastructure in Liberia. Diaspora-led cooperatives can mobilize resources for real estate developments, urban revitalization, and eco-friendly construction, contributing to Liberia’s modernization. Yes, you can!
6. Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship
In today’s digital era, we can leverage France’s advanced tech ecosystem to empower Liberian startups in fintech, e-commerce, and digital education. Imagine Liberian tech talent creating solutions that connect our people at home and abroad!
Mr. President, distinguished members, dear brothers and sisters — these are just a few avenues through which our community can actively contribute to Liberia’s transformation while also building prosperity here in France.
In conclusion, let me reaffirm my unwavering commitment to you. My doors at the Embassy of Liberia in Paris remain widely open to every Liberian. I warmly invite your ideas, your initiatives, and your dreams for a stronger, united, and more prosperous Liberia.
Let us all know that we are all the ones we have been waiting for ever since to make Liberia the country we all want it to be.
Now is the time!
Together, let us be the architects of the future we desire.
Together, let us build bridges of opportunity, unity, and development for Liberia and ourselves.
I have come to Paris with a mandate to “think Liberia” and “love Liberia” through my actions and inaction that create opportunities to “build Liberia” not only for this generation but also the generations unborn.
May unity and progress be our guiding forces.
Thank you!
