Liberia: ULAA Demands Seat at the Table, Warns Boakai Government Against Sidelining Independent Diaspora Voices

Diaspora group says Liberians abroad must be valued for more than remittances

Monrovia – The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and his government to back their stated commitment to the diaspora with genuine inclusion, warning that new government-created diaspora initiatives must not bypass or replace independent institutions Liberians abroad have built over decades.

In an open statement issued in New York on September 17, 2026, as President Boakai and his delegation arrived for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, ULAA said the government’s diaspora outreach falls short if it treats Liberians abroad mainly as a source of money and skills while shutting out their critical voices.

“The Government speaks of ‘Mobilizing the Global Liberian Diaspora for National Transformation,'” the statement said. “But the diaspora cannot be valued primarily for its remittances, investments, professional expertise and development contributions while independent diaspora institutions and critical voices are given inadequate space in discussions about the direction of the Republic.”

‘ULAA remains relevant’

Under the banner “ULAA Remains Relevant,” the organization reminded the government that it has served as an organized and independent voice for Liberians in the Americas for more than half a century.

“New government-created diaspora initiatives should complement—not bypass, marginalize or replace—the independent institutions Liberians abroad have built and sustained,” the statement said.

The statement did not name any specific government initiative, but it comes amid the Boakai administration’s push to formalize diaspora engagement.

Beyond economics

ULAA argued that national development cannot be reduced to economics and must address what it called the difficult issues affecting Liberia’s stability and democratic future. It listed border and national security, illicit drugs and trafficking, justice and due process, and “concerns and allegations regarding selective prosecution and political persecution.” It also cited political polarization, governance, accountability, economic opportunity, youth development and national reconciliation.

“These are Liberian issues—and Liberians must have the freedom and space to speak about them,” the group declared.

Call for formal mechanism

The organization called for a “formal and sustained Government–ULAA consultative mechanism,” along with a broader framework that welcomes independent Liberian voices at home and across the global diaspora.

ULAA also drew a contrast between the President’s appearance on the world stage and his administration’s engagement at home. It said that as President Boakai addresses the international community at the UN, his government should show the same commitment to dialogue by listening to the diverse voices of the Liberian people.

“ULAA must have a seat at the table—but the table must be large enough for every Liberian voice,” the statement said. “National development cannot be the conversation of a selected few. It requires inclusion, accountability, open dialogue and the meaningful participation of the Liberian people.”

The statement closed with the slogan “One Liberia. Many Voices. A Shared Future.” It was signed by the ULAA National President, identified in the document as Hon. Mohammad MSG1 Keita.