New York, USA – Hundreds of Liberians are expected to turn out en masse to welcome President George Manneh Weah during his first address at the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York. The Liberian leader is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, Sept. 26 and subsequently hold a roundtable discussion with leaders of some major diaspora groups in New York. The list includes the Union of Liberian Association in Americas (ULAA), faith leaders, women groups, professional associations, among several others.
In a release issued Wednesday, Abdullah Kiatamba, chief consultant coordinating the President’s engagement with the Liberian diaspora, says that Liberians of all political stripes will assemble at the UN headquarters in New York to give their president a rousing welcome and stand in solidarity with their beloved homeland as it struggles to address entrenched socio-economic challenges, as well as show support for the impressive efforts of the new government to tackle long-standing development problems that preceded President Weah’s presidency.
Mr. Kiatamba says more than 700 Liberians are expected to travel from across the U.S. to participate in what the organizers called “a welcome and solidarity rally”, sending a loud and clear message that Liberia under the leadership of President Weah is making bold and serious efforts to change its troubling historical trajectory, despite countless inherited and systemic challenges that bedeviled the country over several decades.
The release also recognizes the alternative voices of those who are protesting and demanding for a host of policy changes in Liberia, noting that protests are a legitimate democratic expression and that the demand for justice and accountability should always be honored and respected.