Supreme Court Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba has called for renewed commitment to justice, unity, and the preservation of Mandingo cultural heritage, delivering a powerful keynote address at the inauguration of the Liberia Mandingo Federation in Europe (LIMAFE) held on November 1, 2025, in Paris, France.
At the program before diplomats, community leaders, and members of the Liberian diaspora, Justice Kaba underscored the urgency of these values as essential pillars for the advancement of the Mandingo community and the nation at large.
Centered on the theme “Building a Legacy of Justice, Unity, and Cultural Preservation for the Next Generation,” the Associate Justice urged newly inducted LIMAFE leaders to embrace their roles as “custodians of memory” and builders of opportunity for future generations.
Justice Kaba reflected on the Mandingo people’s centuries-old roots in West Africa, noting their roles as warriors, traders, and educators whose contributions have enriched Liberia’s socio-economic landscape. He also confronted the longstanding “Mandingo question,” a complex issue tied to citizenship, identity, and belonging.
Addressing these challenges, Justice Kaba outlined a five-part agenda focusing on legal advocacy, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, reconciliation, and institutional strengthening. These pillars, he said, are crucial for ensuring justice for the Mandingo community and fostering a more inclusive Liberia.
Justice Kaba also underscored the role of women in community cohesion and cultural transmission, urging LIMAFE to promote gender equity and support women-led initiatives.
Calling for stronger alliances across Liberia’s ethnic landscape, the Associate Justice emphasized unity through diversity. Interethnic partnerships, he said, are vital for dialogue, understanding, and national solidarity.
As he concluded, Justice Kaba encouraged LIMAFE’s newly inaugurated leadership and the broader diaspora community to remain steadfast in pursuing justice, unity, and cultural preservation. Though the journey may be challenging, he noted, it is essential for healing, reconciliation, and Liberia’s collective progress.
Justice Kaba’s address left a profound impression on attendees, inspiring a shared resolve to work toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Mandingo people and the entire Liberian nation.
