WASHINGTON D.C. – President George Weah has called on African Governments to create an enabling environment for Diaspora Africans to thrive and fully contribute to the development of the continent.
President Weah, speaking at the Africa and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum in Washington D.C. said the diaspora community is indispensable to the growth and development of the continent.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
“African governments must also create the enabling environment and the requisite framework that will allow our young people in the diaspora to contribute, through their education and innovation, to the transformation of our beloved continent,” he said.
“Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora are indispensable partners in the development aspirations of our various countries. We must welcome them. We must embrace them. We must recognize them. Africans in the diaspora and Africans in Africa are one people. We can succeed if we allow peace to reign. And, we can succeed if we lay the framework for our young people to have a smooth transition in the democratic process.”
He also sent out an open invitation to the diaspora community to “join us in helping to build a New Africa where peace, unity, democracy, human rights, comprehensive freedom, tolerance, togetherness, cooperation, reconciliation, equal opportunity for all so that growth and sustainable development will be the cornerstone and foundation for the future of Africa.”
Liberia and the United States share a close historic tide. The U.S. has a large diaspora community that hugely contributes to the Liberian economy.
In recognition of the value of the Liberian diaspora community, the President told the gathering that at the inception of his administration nearly five years ago, he embarked upon the process of removing restrictive laws to encourage the Liberian diaspora to contribute more to the development of our country.
“Today, I am pleased to inform you that, in July of this year, I signed into law an Act authorizing dual citizenship and allowing women to pass citizenship to their children. By so doing, my administration has now removed all legal barriers which had prevented natural-born Liberians from rightfully resuming citizenship of the land of their ancestors. ONCE A LIBERIAN, ALWAYS A LIBERIAN!”
He added that the move is a demonstration of his Government’s commitment to ensure that our diaspora is not left out in the national reconstruction and development of Liberia, noting that the Liberian diaspora community is a valuable asset to the nation’s growth and development, and their its participation is an important part of the nation-building process.
The Africa and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum which was held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, kicked off the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that is taking in Washington D.C from the 13th to 15th of December.
Earlier in his remarks, President Weah thanked President Joe Biden for the invitation to the summit, noting that both countries has a long and historic relationship with the United States, which has led both countries to have common positions on issues such as democracy, human rights, global peace and security.
“We hold the view that this Summit will strengthen our partnership and increase our commitment to foster stronger cooperation in seeking the broad interest of our respective countries in particular, and the world at large.”
He expressed hope that the summit will reinforce their continued true partnership and friendship with the United States; adding “This should enable us to re-define and reset our urgent priorities in economic, social, and political engagements that will serve as the reinforcement of our genuine commitment to democracy, human rights, transparency and good governance.”
Liberia he added, believes that such engagements between Africa and the United States will improve and strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships, foster peace and security on the continent of Africa.
Also speaking, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio called for more engagement between the African diaspora and the continent to foster the continent’s growth and development.
He recounted that his administration has initiated several programs dedicated to promote human rights, women and youth development.
Earlier, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his introductory remarks, thanked Presidents Weah and Bio for their respective effort in strengthening the tides between the U.S. and their respective countries.
The U.S. is hopeful that the African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum will elevate its diaspora engagement to strengthen the dialogue between U.S. officials and the diaspora in the United States and provide a platform for young African and diaspora leaders to fashion innovative solutions to pressing challenges. The forum featured three breakout sessions on higher education, the creative industries, and environmental equity.
Meanwhile, today, Wednesday marks Day-two of the event U.S.-Africa Business Forum where President Biden is expected to deliver his keynote address to the African and business leaders.