Liberia’s Local Government Minister J. Frances Nyumalin has called on Liberians to rise above politics and build a new nation for the betterment of their country. Serving as Keynote Speaker Liberia’s Independence Day Celebration in Antwerp, Belgium on July July 27, 2026, Minkister Nyumalin called on Liberians, whether at home or abroad to rise to build a new nation.
“We must rise to build a new Liberia. We must join hands together to build a Liberia that values human dignity,” he reminded his fellow compatriots to deeply that the country is rooted in building a body of knowledge over ignorance, promote unity over division and progress over stagnation.
He added, “Let us celebrate this independence’s day with renewed spirit of oneness of purpose. Put aside hatred, divisions and love each other. Love is the greatest weapon that breeds unity and development,” he said. “Let us move forward in healing the divisions and promoting reconciliation. Liberia’s development will not be fully realized without genuine peace and reconciliation. We must all aspire to this noble cause of unity and peace.”
The Minister noted thar Liberia’s development depends on all Liberians whether in Liberia or in Belgium or across Europe. He added, “Use your strategic positioning and leverage technology to help transform the Liberian society and turn current and future challenges into gracious opportunities. You are better placed to help the Government so that Liberia is not left behind when it comes to technology and human capital development.”
He said Liberians in the Diaspora serve as foundational pillars and engines for national reconstruction, economic survival, and social progress in Liberia. Your contributions transcend mere financial aid, spanning direct economic investments, skills transfer, and political advocacy. President Joseph N. Boakai calls on all Liberians in the Diaspora to help drive National Development. He urges you to play a pivotal role in Liberia’s development.
He said the diaspora is the financial backbone of the country. Annually, Liberians living abroad funnel hundreds of millions—and in some years, up to a billion dollars—into the local economy through formal and informal remittances. These funds directly sustain households, fund local businesses, and inject crucial liquidity into the economy.
According to Minister Nyumalin, beyond sending money, the diaspora repatriates vital intellectual capital. Highly skilled Liberian professionals return or consult remotely to fill critical gaps in healthcare, higher education, engineering, governance, and information technology. Organizations like Diaspora Initiatives actively mobilize this expertise to research and improve different sectors for Liberia’s development.
He said the government seeks Diaspora members to shift from short-term survival funding to long-term wealth creation. We urge you to establish small-to-medium enterprises, invest in real estate, and introduce modern business models. At events like the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference, your leaders promised to work to channel these resources away from consumption and directly into trade and sustainable development.
“The diaspora acts as a rapid-response network during national health crises. In the past, you were quite instrumental historically to mobilize massive funding and medical supplies to combat the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, medical professionals from the diaspora routinely conducted free surgical missions and equipped local hospitals,” the minister noted.
He noted that Liberians abroad hold significant political leverage, exercising democratic influence back home by funding political campaigns, driving public discourse, and advocating for governance reforms. Your sustained lobbying was instrumental in the historic 2022 passage of the Dual Citizenship Bill, allowing diaspora Liberians to retain their nationality and inherit property.
“Liberia’s future will not be built solely from Monrovia; it requires the immediate, strategic mobilization of its global diaspora. This is a Solemn Call to Action to all Liberians in the Diaspora to help rebuild Liberia.”
“As the Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration institutionalizes initiatives like the Diaspora Annual Return and the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference, the call to action has shifted. Remittances are no longer enough. Rebuilding Liberia requires transitioning from charitable donors into sustainable economic designers, innovators, and investors,” Minister Nyumalin said.
He added, “We encourage you to transition from sending emergency funds to financing sustainable, job-creating businesses. Establish local enterprises like supermarkets, agribusinesses, modern retail, and tech start-ups.”
Shift from offering temporary aid to providing formal technical and vocational education to local youth. Bring global experience in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and tech education to keep Liberia globally competitive. We encourage you to partner with local universities, hospitals, and civil service entities to standardize modern professional practices.
He at the same time, urged Liberians to base community discussions on verified facts and shared national goals rather than political factions or tribal divides. Actively work with stakeholders at home to heal historical wounds and build mutual accountability.
“Use your collective global voice to champion transparent, decentralized, and corruption-free governance in our motherland. Answer the national invitation to return, inspect opportunities firsthand, and actively participate in physical nation-building,” the Minister added.
“President Boakai is calling on you to constantly engage the government as signal for building a new Liberia based on mutual partnership and unity, ensuring that all Liberians, at home and abroad, play a role in shaping our nation’s destiny,: among other things concluded.
