MONROVIA – The Diaspora Alert organization has expressed outrage over recent comments made by President Joseph Boakai that were perceived as threatening and dismissive toward Liberians living in the United States. Speaking at a gathering over the weekend, President Boakai told the audience:
By Jaheim Tumu, [email protected]
“Because you’re sitting down somewhere conveniently and you think you’re enjoying life. I have got a message for you, Donald Trump is there. If you don’t come back to build your country for yourself, it’s your business.”
The comments have sparked strong backlash from the diaspora community, which has long been a vital source of financial support and expertise for Liberia.
Statement from Diaspora Alert’s Chairman Eric Pervist
In a statement issued by Eric Pervist, Chairman of Diaspora Alert, the organization condemned the remarks, accusing President Boakai of bullying Liberians abroad and attempting to leverage the threat of deportation under the Trump administration to force them back to Liberia.
“Diaspora Alert condemns in the strongest terms the recent statements made by President Boakai, where he bullied Liberians living in the United States, leveraging the threat of deportation under the Trump administration to coerce them into returning to Liberia,” Pervist said. “This kind of strong-arming tactic is not only unacceptable but also undermines the trust and confidence that Liberians in the diaspora have in their government.”
Concerns Over Potential Deportations and Economic Impact
Pervist went on to address concerns about the economic burden that Liberia could face if thousands of Liberians were deported from the U.S. due to changes in the political landscape. He stressed that Boakai should be engaging with the Trump administration to find solutions, rather than mocking the struggles of diaspora Liberians.
“One would expect his administration to be actively engaging with the Trump administration to find a solution. Sadly, Boakai is instead mocking the struggles of Liberians in the United States, which is not only insensitive but also unhelpful in addressing the crisis,” Pervist stated.
Diaspora’s Role in Liberia’s Development
The statement also pointed out the crucial role that Liberians in the diaspora play in the country’s development, noting their significant financial contributions through remittances and their involvement in knowledge transfer and skills development.
Pervist emphasized that President Boakai’s warning to diaspora Liberians to “return home and contribute to building the country” was not only threatening, but also disrespectful of the substantial aid the diaspora provides. He reminded the president that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the country’s progress, not the diaspora.
“Mr. Boakai should focus on doing his job and fulfilling his responsibilities, rather than shifting them to the diaspora community. It’s his government that collects taxes for development, not the diaspora community,” Pervist said.
Call for a More Supportive Relationship
Rather than resorting to coercion and bullying, Diaspora Alert called on the Boakai administration to create an environment that encourages diaspora engagement and provides opportunities for investment and skills transfer.
“This could involve implementing policies that facilitate investment, provide opportunities for skills transfer, and ensure that the rights and interests of diaspora communities are protected and respected,” Pervist added.
Request for Retraction
Diaspora Alert also urged President Boakai to retract his comments and work towards building a more inclusive and supportive relationship with the Liberian diaspora, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for the nation’s development.
As tensions rise, many are calling for greater dialogue and cooperation between the government and Liberia’s overseas communities to ensure sustainable progress for the country.
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