MONROVIA, LIBERIA – House of Representatives Diaspora caucus holds historic Inaugural Meeting Between the Diaspora Affairs Office and the Diaspora Engagement Task Force DETF.
This Milestone Engagement was presided over by Caucus Chair Hon. Siafa Momo Kpoto (Lofa County, District #3) who welcomed attendees to the Capitol Building office.
In a landmark advancement for inclusive governance, the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Ministry of State was very grateful to meet with the newly established House of Representatives Diaspora Caucus.
This historic gathering represents a major step toward formally integrating Liberians abroad into national development efforts.
The meeting brought together officials from both the executive and legislative branches, international partners, and members of the Diaspora community to explore strategic collaboration, policy alignment, and pathways for greater Diaspora inclusion.
In his opening remarks, Head of the Diaspora Office, Mr. Erasmus T. Williams, expressed deep appreciation to the House of Representatives for creating the Diaspora Caucus—the first of its kind in the nation’s history. “This is not merely a caucus; it is a gateway to inclusion for all Liberians across the globe,” Mr. Williams declared. He praised the legislature’s initiative as a welcomed and forward-thinking move, deeply valued by Liberians worldwide.
Mr. Williams highlighted the strengthened support his office now receives compared to prior years. Key accomplishments under his leadership include operationalizing the Diaspora Office in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and collaborating with United Nations partners through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to establish the Diaspora Engagement Taskforce.
“The IOM has since become a vital advocate for the Diaspora Office at the United Nations,” he added.
He also spotlighted the success of the Liberia Annual Diaspora Conference in promoting investment and reconnecting Liberians abroad with their homeland. A top priority moving forward, he emphasized, is advancing the Diaspora’s strong interest in securing voting rights. To support this, the Diaspora Office has initiated ongoing engagements with key national stakeholders, including the National Elections Commission and leaders of the 55th National Legislature.
IOM Representative, Mr. Serge Lenaud, spoke on global efforts to bolster Diaspora engagement. He referenced the Global Diaspora Conference in Cape Verde in September 2024, which launched the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA), and confirmed Liberia’s formal accession to the GDPA in May 2025.
Mr. Lenaud detailed IOM’s support—facilitated through the African Development Bank and African Union—in establishing the Diaspora Engagement Taskforce to align Diaspora policies with national priorities.
The Taskforce has boosted Diaspora visibility via initiatives such as the Annual Conference and Diaspora Annual Return, contributing positively to health, education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), peace, and reconciliation. He described the House Diaspora Caucus as a critical advancement in institutionalizing these frameworks.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Liberia, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, added: “We are at a threshold of our development. We cannot do this alone. We need to build consensus to bring the best Liberian brains together.”
The meeting included an interactive session with returning Diaspora members engaged in business and humanitarian initiatives, who shared their enthusiasm for reintegration and contributions to Liberia.
Legislators Commit to Collaboration
Few members of the House of Representatives Diaspora Caucus attended and voiced strong support:
Hon. Gbessie Sonii Feika (Grand Cape Mount County, District #3) welcomed the Diaspora delegation, urging them to feel at home and pursue investment and business opportunities.
Hon. Moima Briggs Mensah (Bong County, District #6) emphasized that the Diaspora Office’s success requires a collaborative legislature, calling for better coordination, dialogue, and Diaspora input through consultancy and other sectors.
Hon. Steve Tequah (Rivercess County, District #2) stated, “To make the record clear, Liberians at home are not afraid of competition. Liberia is open to all Liberians.” He encouraged the Diaspora to bring best practices and systems from abroad to transform mindsets among the youth, while urging mutual respect.
Hon. Thomas Romeo Quioh (Sinoe County, District #1) confirmed that he and colleagues are actively reviewing absentee voting and pledged the Representatives’ support.
Hon. Rugie Barry (Montserrado County, District #1) advocated for a committee ensuring global Diaspora representation.
In his remarks, Caucus Chair Hon. Siafa Momo Kpoto (Lofa County, District #3) acknowledged the challenges of returnees adjusting to realities—including post-war societal shifts, youth drug issues, and land disputes—he announced plans for the House Legislative Caucus to partner with the Diaspora Office in forming a dedicated committee for orienting returning Diaspora Liberians.
Additional contributions came from Caucus members Hon. Marie G. Johnson (Grand Gedeh County, District #2) and Hon. Emmanuel Dahn (Montserrado County, District #7).
Support for Diaspora Investment
Assistant Minister for Small Business Administration at the Ministry of Commerce, Hon. Jekeh F. Koiyan, affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to guide and assist Diaspora members interested in investing in Liberian businesses.
The meeting ended with a shared pledge for sustained dialogue and tangible actions to leverage the global Liberian community’s potential for national progress.
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