Monrovia – Ali Krayee, head of Liberia’s National Imam Council says granting citizenship to people of non-negro descent will create a new class system in Liberia, where people who are far more advanced intellectually and economically will eventually take over the main cities and towns while the poorly-prepared indigenous retreat to the slums.
Report by Henry Karmo [email protected]
President George Manneh Weah used his first Annual Message to call for the removal of a “racist” clause in the Constitution which restricts citizenship to black people.
The clause was “unnecessary, racist and inappropriate,” the President said.
Liberia’s nationality as given in the Aliens and Nationality Law of 1973 is based on its 1847 Constitution. Human rights activists have described current laws as explicitly racist as it requires being black as a prerequisite to citizenship.
The first Constitution allowed for women to transmit their nationality to their children, although multiple citizenship was not permitted nor is it permitted in revisions of the Constitution.
Liberia confers nationality solely on the basis of race. Under the current Liberian constitution, only persons of black African origins may obtain citizenship, although Liberian law allows members of other races to hold permanent status.
Speaking at program marking the celebration of the 23rd anniversary and 4th Annual Assembly of the National Imam Council of Liberia, the Muslim cleric described as a time bomb, the proposal to grant Liberian citizenship to people of non-negro descent.
The Imam said the future of children unborn may transform to the formation of the Liberia’s version of the Mau Mau in a repeat of the Continent’s ugly history.
Supporters of the President’s plan say non-black African permanent residents are crucial contributors to the country’s economic activities and innovation system, mainly the wealthy Lebanese community.
Imam Krayee argued: “This would be far more preferable to the effectual condemnation of generations unborn to slavery and deprivation in the land of their fathers. As for dual citizenship, it simply means dual loyalty. Whatever it implies is plain to all. We reject racism. What we teach rather is race consciousness and often unpalatable realities associated with certain policies.”
Imam Krayee also expressed concern about President Weah’s decision to ignore Muslims and appoint two Christians as his religious advisors. He added that other Muslims are still anticipating the naming of a Muslim to such position.
The Imam added: “As we speak, only a tiny portion fraction of Muslims nominees have so far been announced. We look forward to better recognition. We know that few steps have been taken to, in some way, placate the Muslims. It is important to note that Muslims are under religious obligation to be loyal to and sincerely support the government of the day.”
Speaking to his colleagues of the Muslims faith, the Imam called for the standardization of the administration and operations of the National Imam Council and resolved to work in strategic partnerships with every Muslim group.
He referenced the National Imam Council, Muslim Women Organizations, Muslim Professionals, elders, students and youth groups across the country and stressed the need to look inward and work to redeem them from what he said are their current state of slumber and self-neglect.
“We need to collaborate more meaningfully with our Christians counterparts, non-governmental Organizations and other stakeholders as we all work to make Liberia work for all.”