-Engages Liberian Diaspora in DMV Townhall
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai took center stage over the weekend at a highly anticipated townhall meeting in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, urging Liberians abroad to contribute to the country’s post-conflict recovery and development. The event, hosted by Sebastian Teclar, President of the Liberian Community Association in the DMV, drew hundreds of attendees, reflecting the strong bond between Liberia and its diaspora.
In his address, President Boakai expressed gratitude to the U.S. for hosting Liberians over the years and highlighted the deep connections many diaspora members maintain with their homeland. “Almost everybody here… either they were once students or have lived here and gone back to resettle. This shows how grateful we are to the great United States for being that partner and friend,” Boakai said.
The Liberian leader emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement in national development. “We are talking about Liberians taking Liberia for development,” he stated, calling on citizens abroad to invest in Liberia’s resources and infrastructure. He pointed to opportunities in post-conflict real estate and abandoned properties, such as the Ducor and Hotel Africa, urging Liberians to take ownership and help revitalize the country.
Boakai also underscored reconciliation and remembrance, referencing ongoing initiatives to honor Liberia’s civil war victims and contributors to peace. He highlighted plans to establish a memorial park commemorating the 250,000 lives lost during the conflict and the international forces that assisted Liberia.
The President announced the establishment of a Diaspora Commission as a key step to coordinate skills, talents, and investments from Liberians abroad. “We want to make Liberia the destination, not just for visitors, but for Liberians to contribute meaningfully to its growth,” he added.
Boakai acknowledged the vital role of Liberians in the diaspora, citing past contributions in education, governance, and civil service, and encouraged them to return and participate in national rebuilding. “We have good people, but most have left. We want to bring them back. Maybe we cannot afford you initially, but that’s part of the sacrifice you have to make,” he said.
The townhall was hosted by Sebastian Teclar, a longstanding community leader and the only Liberian to have served on the Multicultural Commission of Prince George’s County, Maryland. Teclar welcomed attendees on behalf of the Liberian Community Association in the DMV and emphasized the importance of the diaspora in shaping Liberia’s future. “We’re honored to host this significant event, bringing together Liberians from across the diaspora to share ideas, foster unity, and promote development in Liberia,” he said.
The event drew Liberians from across the DMV area, a community estimated at over 20,000, and highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the diaspora and the Liberian government to strengthen national development initiatives.
President Boakai’s visit coincided with his participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York, underlining Liberia’s growing international engagement. He and his delegation used the opportunity to connect with diaspora members, discuss investment opportunities, and encourage contributions to Liberia’s $8.3 billion ARREST Agenda for inclusive development. As the townhall concluded, both the president and Teclar emphasized the need for continued diaspora participation in Liberia’s reconstruction, education, and governance sectors, reaffirming the shared commitment to a stronger, self-reliant Liberia.
