Published: September 27, 2025
WASHINGTON — Liberia’s Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence on Saturday pledged a sweeping package of reforms to give Liberians living abroad not just symbolic recognition but real influence in the country’s economic and political life, including the right to vote and hold public office.
Speaking at the 2025 Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference in Washington, Karnga-Lawrence told an audience of cabinet officials, lawmakers, diplomats, faith leaders and Liberians from around the globe that the Senate is ready to “move from promises to action” on long-delayed diaspora priorities.
“The Liberian diaspora is not just a source of remittances. It is a reservoir of talent, investment, advocacy and patriotic commitment,” she said. “The time for symbolic engagement is over. It is time for action.”
The Senate leader outlined a “comprehensive diaspora engagement agenda” that includes the proposed Diaspora Engagement Act to institutionalize dual-citizenship rights, create a Diaspora Advisory Council, and tighten legislative oversight of ministries serving Liberians abroad. She promised to back fiscal incentives such as tax reforms and a transparent diaspora investment fund to lower barriers for diaspora-led businesses.
She highlighted accountability measures, including public hearings, budget allocations, and performance audits, for diaspora-funded projects. She also urged the expansion of education and skills-transfer programs to motivate diaspora professionals to return home and teach in public institutions.
Legal protections for returning Liberians, especially regarding land rights, reintegration, and dispute resolution, will be reinforced under her plan. She announced the creation of a Senate-led diaspora caucus to maintain ongoing legislative engagement and amplify the diaspora’s voice in policy decisions.
The Pro Tempore stated that the Senate is ready to revive constitutional and electoral reforms to allow diaspora voting and clarify who is eligible for office. She emphasized the importance of promoting national unity through inclusive dialogue and reconciliation, “bridging historical divisions and building a Liberia that welcomes all its sons and daughters wherever they reside.”
Karnga-Lawrence also announced that the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee has been instructed to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand Liberia’s diplomatic presence to Rwanda, Canada, India, and Australia, a move she said responds to concerns raised by diaspora leaders during the conference.
“Once a Liberian, always a Liberian,” she said to applause, repeating the phrase three times as the crowd rose to its feet.
She thanked President Joseph N. Boakai for what she called “decisive leadership” in prioritizing diaspora inclusion under his ARREST Agenda, a six-pillar reform program focused on agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism.
The Pro Tempore’s remarks signaled a legislative roadmap for a diaspora long frustrated by what they describe as “token gestures” from Monrovia. Liberia’s estimated 500,000-plus citizens abroad send home hundreds of millions of dollars annually, roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP, but have historically lacked voting rights, clear land tenure protection, and a voice in national policymaking.
The speech capped the opening session of the four-day conference, organized by the Liberian Diaspora Conference Committee and chaired by Rev. Dr. Emmett Dunn, with support from international partners. Senate Foreign Affairs Chair A.B. Darisville, cabinet ministers, and other dignitaries attended.
“You finally get a chance to make history,” one moderator told the cheering crowd. “The diaspora will not just be seen but will be major participants in developing our country.”
The conference continues through the weekend with panels on investment, remittances, and national reconciliation.
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