ANTWERP, Belgium – Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., has called for greater national unity and collective action as the country confronts longstanding challenges, including land disputes, economic inequality and the need for lasting national reconciliation.
Delivering the keynote address during Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebration in Antwerp, Belgium, Minister Nyumalin urged Liberians to look beyond the divisions of the past and work together toward building a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous nation.
He said Liberia’s future depends on its ability to embrace both its indigenous heritage and the ideals upon which the nation was founded, emphasizing that unity remains the country’s greatest asset in overcoming persistent socio-economic and governance challenges. The Independence Day Celebration was organized by the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA).
Building a Stronger Liberia
Highlighting the Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Nyumalin said the government remains committed to transforming Liberia through strategic investments in Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, Tourism and Health.
He noted that the administration has already recorded significant gains through ongoing infrastructure development, governance reforms and Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, describing the achievement as a reflection of growing international confidence in the country’s democratic progress and foreign policy.
According to the minister, these accomplishments demonstrate the government’s determination to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and national development.
Healing the Nation
Nyumalin also highlighted the Boakai administration’s efforts to promote national healing and reconciliation, describing them as essential steps toward addressing Liberia’s painful past.
Among the initiatives he cited were the reburial of former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel Kanyon Doe Sr., as well as the government’s formal apology to victims of Liberia’s civil conflicts.
He said such measures are intended to foster reconciliation, strengthen national cohesion and help Liberians move forward with a shared sense of purpose.
Diaspora Has a Bigger Role to Play
Addressing members of the Liberian community in Belgium and across Europe, Nyumalin urged Liberians living abroad to deepen their contribution to national development by moving beyond remittances and becoming active investors in the country’s future.
He encouraged members of the diaspora to establish businesses, create employment opportunities, transfer professional expertise and support innovation and technology-driven initiatives that can accelerate Liberia’s economic transformation.
“Remittances remain important,” he noted, “but Liberia also needs long-term investment, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer from its citizens abroad.”
The minister stressed that the skills, experience and financial resources of the diaspora can play a pivotal role in strengthening local industries, expanding economic opportunities and improving livelihoods across the country.
A Shared Responsibility
Concluding his address, Nyumalin called on Liberians both at home and abroad to embrace unity, accountability and patriotism as the nation charts its path toward sustainable development.
He emphasized that national progress cannot be achieved by government alone, but requires the collective commitment of all Liberians regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or place of residence.
“Liberia’s future,” he said, “depends on the shared efforts of its people.”
His remarks reinforced the broader message of this year’s Independence Day celebrations—that national unity, reconciliation and inclusive development remain central to realizing Liberia’s long-term aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity.
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