MONROVIA, Liberia — A prominent Liberian diaspora advocate has sharply criticized former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf following her recent remarks before the House of Representatives of Liberia calling for amendments to Liberia’s citizenship law.
Mr. Alfred Sieh, Special Envoy on Out-of-Country Voting for the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) and a long-time advocate for dual citizenship for natural-born Liberians, accused the former president of failing to champion the cause during her 12-year tenure in office. Sieh provided pictures some dating back to 2010 to show how far back Liberians engaged the President on dual citizenship for natural-born Liberians.
Sirleaf, who addressed lawmakers Thursday, March 5th, urged legislators to consider revising Article 27(b) of the 1986 Constitution, which restricts Liberian citizenship to persons of Negro descent. Her remarks have reignited debate about citizenship policy, immigration, and constitutional reform in Liberia.
However, Sieh—who is also widely referred to within diaspora circles as Chairman Emeritus—argued that the former president’s current advocacy stands in stark contrast to what he described as inaction during her presidency from 2006 to 2018.
“I’m deeply appalled and disappointed that former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is now putting all of her energy and influence in advocating for citizenship for non-Negroes, but she could not do so during her 12 years as President of Liberia,” Sieh said in a strongly worded statement released to diaspora networks.
Diaspora Push for Dual Citizenship
According to Sieh, Liberians living abroad repeatedly sought the support of Sirleaf’s administration to advance legislation or an executive measure that would grant dual citizenship rights to natural-born Liberians who had taken citizenship in other countries.
He claimed those efforts yielded little or no progress.
“During her tenure, diaspora Liberians sought the help of her office to create legislation or issue an Executive Order for dual citizenship, but she couldn’t muster the courage to do so. All we got from her were empty promises,” Sieh said.
The issue of dual citizenship has long been a contentious topic in Liberia’s political discourse. Many Liberians living abroad have argued that allowing dual citizenship would encourage investment, skills transfer, and stronger economic ties between the diaspora and the homeland.
Opponents, however, have historically expressed concerns about land ownership, national identity, and political influence.
Sharp Criticism of Former President
In his statement, Sieh also leveled broader criticisms against the former president, referencing Liberia’s civil war history and accusing her of attempting to influence policies that could create future tensions.
He called on Liberians to reject what he described as efforts that could potentially undermine the rights of natural-born Liberians.
Call for Constitutional Protection
Instead of advocating for changes to Liberia’s citizenship clause, Sieh urged national leaders to prioritize constitutional reforms that would formally recognize dual citizenship for natural-born Liberians.
“Former President Sirleaf needs to use her energy and influence to advocate for dual citizenship for natural-born Liberians to be enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia,” he said.
The debate comes as Liberia continues to confront broader questions surrounding constitutional reform, diaspora engagement, and the future of citizenship policy.
Sirleaf’s call for revisiting Article 27(b) has already sparked renewed national discussion, with supporters arguing that reform would align Liberia with evolving global norms, while critics warn it could reshape longstanding constitutional protections related to nationality and land ownership.
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