Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia announced the creation of the nation’s first-ever Senate Diaspora Caucus and launched the Diaspora Annual Return 2025 in a moment full of symbolism and historical significance. Officials describe this as a “new era of inclusion, reconnection, and investment” between Liberia and its international diaspora.
The statement was made at the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference 2025 in Washington, D.C., which brought together international development partners like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as Liberians living abroad and American politicians.
The action represents a significant shift in policy toward acknowledging the Liberian diaspora as a vital development partner a group that has long been disregarded despite its significant contribution to the nation’s economy and culture.
The Senate Diaspora Caucus was established, according to officials, as a “historic bridge” between the Liberian government and its international citizens, a lasting framework to guarantee that the diaspora’s voice and contributions are included in the nation’s development and governing agenda.
LeAnn R. Knowlden of the Diaspora Annual Return Communications Committee stated, “The establishment of the Senate Diaspora Caucus institutionalizes a direct and lasting bridge between the Liberian government and its citizens abroad. The diaspora now has a formal voice in the Senate, guaranteeing that its contributions and views are included in Liberia’s national agenda for the first time.”
At the same time, the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs’ Diaspora Office announced the Diaspora Annual Return 2025, a month-long celebration of culture, innovation, and national dialogue that will take place in Liberia in December under the theme “One Liberia, One People, One Purpose.”
The project is “a call to national reconnection,” according to Erasmus Tiampa Williams, Head of the Diaspora Office. Williams clarified, “This is more than a celebration, it’s a movement to build bridges, spark innovation, and create real opportunities for national progress.”
The One Liberia March, the Diaspora Heritage Awards, the National Christmas Cantata, and the Peace and Reconciliation Dialogue are the four main activities that will take place during the return. Each event is intended to honor Liberia’s unity in diversity and advance peace following decades of discord.
The initiative is a pivotal point for the future of the country, according to Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, Chair of the Diaspora Annual Return.
Families, business owners, artists, and religious leaders are all welcome to participate in this momentous occasion. According to her, the Diaspora Return is about investment, cooperation, and reunion in the Liberia we all envision.
Tianna Sherman-Kesselly, co-chair, highlighted the importance of teamwork: When we collaborate, progress is made. From anywhere in the globe, we can support Liberia via communication, shared responsibility, and cultural pride.
Liberia’s recent initiative to engage its diaspora has significant historical significance. Under the direction of the American Colonization Society (ACS), emancipated African Americans who had been returned from the United States created the nation in 1847. It was intended to be a haven of hope for the world’s Black diaspora and a homeland for descendants of Africans who had been enslaved and wanted independence and self-determination.
However, Liberia’s relationship with its diaspora community has frequently been strained despite these long-standing ties. The country became estranged from its international citizens due to decades of political unrest, civil war, and inadequate engagement initiatives. The goal of the Senate Diaspora Caucus and Diaspora Annual Return is to revive that long-dormant relationship by turning nostalgia into national development.
Madam MacDella Cooper, speaking on behalf of the Office of the President, stated that the initiative is about reconciliation and healing. “It’s time to unite Liberians from all backgrounds, both domestically and internationally, in order to restore our nation with a common goal and vision.”
The programs have significant economic and developmental ramifications in addition to cultural symbolism. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abrahim Nyei asserts that Liberians living overseas are crucial to maintaining the country’s economy.
According to Dr. Nyei, remittances from Liberians living outside make up to 25% of Liberia GDP, surpassing government development assistance. The stability and progress of the country depend on their contributions, he noted.
He clarified that diaspora participation has been given top priority as a key development strategy under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which is centered on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
In order to draw in private funding and technological know-how for Liberia’s infrastructure revitalization, the government intends to host Diaspora Investment Forums in Brussels in February 2026 and South Africa in the middle of 2026.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the Diaspora Annual Return will support small companies, promote tourism, and foster partnerships between local business owners and Liberians living overseas. According to experts, this might boost the nation’s economy and provide jobs, especially for young people.
Aliou Dia, the resident representative for UNDP, commended the program as an example of inclusive governance. He pointed out that formal diaspora involvement in national decision-making might expand Liberia’s development alliances and strengthen democracy.
As a nation whose very creation was based on the concepts of return, unity, and self-determination, Liberia’s increased diaspora participation is also viewed as a means of regaining its global identity.
Liberians at home and abroad are getting more excited as December draws near. Many see the Diaspora Annual Return 2025 as a spiritual and economic reunion to the principles that gave rise to Africa’s oldest republic, rather than merely a homecoming celebration.
Dr. Ford-Kulah stated, “We are one people. Now is the time to work together to rebuild.”
Credit: William Q. Harmon
