MONROVIA — Liberia’s refugee and migration governance framework is set for a major overhaul following the assumption of office by Jeror Cole Bangalu as Executive Director of the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).
Speaking at his official takeover ceremony, Cllr. Bangalu described his appointment as more than a routine leadership transition, declaring it the beginning of a “new chapter” for the Commission and for Liberia’s response to displacement, migration, and statelessness.
“Today is not just a change of leadership,” Bangalu said. “It marks a new chapter in the life of this Commission and in Liberia’s response to some of the most complex human mobility challenges of our time.”
Presidential Backing and Expanded Vision
Bangalu expressed deep appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for reposing confidence in him and retaining the LRRRC at Cabinet level, a move he said underscores the administration’s recognition of migration and displacement as national priorities.
He stressed that the Commission must move beyond its traditional, narrow focus on refugee repatriation and resettlement, warning that the realities of migration have evolved significantly.
“The Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission can no longer operate as a single-issue institution of the past,” he declared. “The world has changed. Migration has changed. Liberia has changed. And so we must change too.”
Under his leadership, the LRRRC will reposition itself to address a broader range of issues, including migration governance, statelessness, Liberian deportees, internally displaced persons, and emerging cross-border population movements.
Legal and Institutional Reforms Ahead
A key pillar of Bangalu’s agenda is the pursuit of legal reform. He announced plans to amend the 1993 Act establishing the Commission to reflect its expanded mandate and align it with international best practices and regional frameworks.
He further outlined plans for a comprehensive, costed, and results-driven work plan, alongside the creation of a high-level Policy Working Group comprising experts from government, academia, civil society, and development partners to guide evidence-based policymaking.
In addition, Bangalu disclosed that a full capacity needs assessment and credentials audit of the institution will be conducted to ensure the Commission is “fit for purpose.”
“We will work together in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect,” he said, “but there will be realignment, shifts, and reforms where necessary. This is not about punishment; it is about effectiveness.”
Data, Protection, and Operational Priorities
Recognizing the importance of data in policymaking, Bangalu announced plans to establish a modern data management system at the LRRRC, noting that “policy without data is guesswork.”
On the operational front, he identified several urgent priorities, including a baseline study on the drivers of the growing influx of Burkinabè migrants into southeastern Liberia, the resolution of the status of remaining Ivorian refugees, and the establishment of new, dignified reception centers consistent with international human rights standards.
Funding and Partnership Appeal
Acknowledging the scale of the task ahead, Bangalu said significant financial investment would be required. He disclosed plans to submit a detailed Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) request and a supplementary budget proposal, while deepening engagement with donor partners.
“To our development partners, we are not asking for charity,” he said. “We are offering partnership grounded in transparency, shared responsibility, and measurable impact.”
Commitment to Staff and the Liberian People
Addressing staff of the Commission, Bangalu pledged open-door leadership, honest dialogue, and shared ownership of success, while assuring that reforms would be fair and professional.
To the Liberian people, he promised that the LRRRC would be an institution where displaced persons are protected, migration is responsibly managed, and human dignity is upheld without compromise.
“With the President’s full support, the commitment of our partners, and the dedication of our staff,” Bangalu said, “I am confident that the LRRRC will emerge stronger, more relevant, and fit for the future.”
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