-Thanks Pro Temp Karnga‑Lawrence After Washington Conference
MONROVIA, Liberia — Erasmus T. Williams, head of the Government’s Diaspora Engagement Task Force, has welcomed the Liberian Senate’s creation of a Diaspora Caucus and thanked President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga‑Lawrence for moving swiftly on commitments she made at September’s Liberia Annual Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C.
Williams and his team from the Diaspora Office of the Republic of Liberia, alongside IOM–UN Migration Liberia Chief Lenaud Serge Désiré, met with Pro Temp Karnga‑Lawrence on Oct. 28 in follow‑up to the conference. He praised the Pro Temp for institutional backing and said the new caucus provides “a concrete vehicle” to advance priorities raised by Liberians abroad.
At the Senate’s Oct. 30 sitting, Pro Temp Karnga‑Lawrence formally announced the Diaspora Caucus to “create an effective working relationship” between the Senate and Liberians overseas. The caucus will push measures to enable diaspora voting, support the establishment of a Diaspora Commission, and sustain the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference and an annual “Diaspora Return” program.
Williams—who helped coordinate the September 27 Washington conference that drew government, partners and diaspora leaders—thanked the Pro Temp for “turning dialogue into delivery” and pledged close collaboration with the caucus on policy, legislation and program design. IOM’s Désiré applauded the government’s support and said the UN agency will continue partnering on migration and development priorities.
Under the Pro Temp’s announcement, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon will chair the caucus (he also chairs the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee), with River Gee County Senator Francis S. Dopoh as co‑chair. Members include Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah Varpilah; Nimba County Senator Nyan D. Twayen; Gbarpolu County Senators Botoe Kanneh and Amara Konneh; Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus; Sinoe County Senator Augustine S. Chea; and Bong County Senator Johnny Kpehe. Karnga‑Lawrence urged the group to be “proactive and effective” in the coming weeks.
What the Caucus Is Expected to Tackle
- Diaspora voting: Lawmakers are expected to review legal and constitutional pathways for external voting, along with administrative readiness and cost.
- Diaspora Commission: A proposed permanent body to coordinate policy, investment facilitation, skills transfer, and consular outreach to Liberians abroad.
- Annual Conference And Return: Sustained support for the national diaspora conference and a structured “return” initiative to drive visits, investment and philanthropy.
Why It Matters
Liberians abroad are key contributors through remittances, investment and skills. Williams said the caucus “anchors diaspora engagement inside the Legislature,” improving follow‑through on reforms debated in Washington and in recent town halls with Liberians overseas.
Next Steps
The Diaspora Engagement Task Force and IOM will work with the caucus secretariat on an initial agenda covering external voting options, a draft framework for a Diaspora Commission, and timelines for the 2026 conference and “Diaspora Return.” The Pro Temp said the caucus was created in fulfillment of her Washington pledge to strengthen ties with the diaspora and “solve problems together.”
