29/06/2026
ASSISTANT MINISTER JACKIE McCAY REAFFIRMS LIBERIA's COMMITMENT TO DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT AT FOLICEA's FIRST ANNIVERSARY
Kampala, Uganda – June 29, 2026 – The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening engagement with Liberians living abroad, as the Federation of Liberian Communities in East Africa (FOLICEA) celebrated its first anniversary with a two-day regional celebration that united Liberians across East Africa under the theme, "From Vision to Impact: One Year of FOLICEA Excellence."
The celebration, held on June 27–28, 2026, featured physical activities across Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, followed by a regional virtual gathering that brought together Liberian students, professionals, community leaders, development partners, and members of the diaspora from across East Africa.
The anniversary marked a significant milestone for FOLICEA, which has spent the past year promoting unity, advocacy, leadership, cultural preservation, and socio-economic empowerment among Liberians living in the region.
The first day of the celebration saw FOLICEA chapters organize country-level events that showcased Liberia's rich culture while strengthening community bonds.
In Rwanda, members participated in an indoor program featuring speeches, panel discussions, cultural performances, networking activities, and indoor games before moving outdoors for sporting events, including football matches and community games. The celebration exceeded expectations, attracting more than 100 participants, well above the projected attendance of between 50 and 75 people.
The event also attracted Liberian business owners and prospective members, further expanding FOLICEA's visibility and influence within the country.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Chapter hosted an equally vibrant celebration characterized by speeches, traditional Liberian cuisine, including jollof rice, pepper soup, GB, and fried rice, and community fellowship.
In Uganda, Liberians gathered for outreach activities, sporting events, and community dialogue aimed at strengthening relationships among Liberians living in the country.
Across all three countries, the anniversary celebrations reflected the federation's commitment to preserving Liberian culture while creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and membership growth.
The celebrations culminated on Sunday, June 28, with a regional virtual session attended by Liberians from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and other parts of East Africa.
The meeting opened with prayer, participant introductions, and welcoming remarks from Mr. Marcus Weah, Vice Chair for International Affairs, who described FOLICEA as a growing regional institution connecting Liberians across borders through service and cooperation.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Jackie McCay, Assistant Minister for Diaspora Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, congratulated FOLICEA on reaching its first anniversary and praised the federation for fostering unity and creating opportunities for Liberians throughout East Africa.
"The Government of Liberia recognizes the diaspora as an indispensable partner in our nation's development. We are committed to strengthening our engagement with Liberians abroad through practical initiatives, including the Diaspora Registry, a customer service platform, diaspora investment policies, and the Diaspora Youth Connect Program. Together, we can build stronger bridges between Liberia and its citizens across the world," Hon. McCay said.
She noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively implementing several initiatives to improve diaspora engagement, including the establishment of a National Diaspora Registry, the launch of a Diaspora Customer Service Platform, and the development of Diaspora Investment Policies aimed at encouraging Liberians abroad to contribute to national development.
The Assistant Minister also announced plans to launch the Diaspora Youth Connect Program, emphasizing the government's commitment to empowering young Liberians through mentorship, career development, knowledge sharing, and cultural exchange.
During the interactive session, participants engaged Hon. McCay on several challenges affecting Liberians living in East Africa.
Among the concerns raised were the high cost of passport renewals and international shipping, delays in obtaining required immigration stamps on passports renewed in Liberia, and passport number changes following renewal, which often create complications for banking, academic records, and identity verification.
Participants also expressed concern over Liberia's limited diplomatic representation within East Africa, noting that the region currently has only one Liberian Embassy located in Ethiopia and a consulate in Kenya, making access to consular services difficult for Liberians residing in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and other East African Countries.
Responding to the concerns, Hon. McCay assured participants that the Ministry would work closely with the relevant authorities to find lasting solutions.
"We have heard your concerns regarding passport services, consular access, and other operational issues. I am committed to taking these matters back to the Ministry's leadership and working with the relevant authorities to identify practical solutions. This conversation will not end here, we will continue engaging with you," she assured.
The discussion also focused on diaspora voting, with participants seeking updates on efforts to enable Liberians abroad to vote in future national elections. Hon. McCay explained that the matter remains under legislative consideration and will require the necessary legal framework and implementation mechanisms before becoming operational.
In his anniversary address and way forward, FOLICEA Chairman Emmanuel Brown reflected on the federation's remarkable journey over the past year and thanked members, partners, and community leaders for their unwavering support.
"One year ago, FOLICEA was built on a vision of uniting Liberians across East Africa. Today, we celebrate not only our achievements but also the strength of our members, partners, and communities who believed in that vision. This anniversary reminds us that together we can create lasting impact for Liberians wherever they reside," Chairman Brown said.
He emphasized that the federation would continue expanding its programs, strengthening its country chapters, and building strategic partnerships that improve the lives of Liberians across the region.
"Our journey has just begun. We will continue to strengthen our chapters, build strategic partnerships, advocate for our members, and create opportunities that empower Liberians across East Africa."
Also addressing the virtual gathering, Former FOLICEA Chairman Zhrando Emmanuel Don Patrick Jr. congratulated the federation on its first anniversary and praised the current leadership for building upon the foundation established during the organization's formative period.
"The foundation that was laid during FOLICEA's formative days was built on unity, service, and the belief that Liberians in East Africa could achieve more together than apart. Seeing the federation celebrate its first anniversary is a proud moment for all of us," Patrick remarked.
He encouraged members to remain committed to the federation's vision as it enters its next phase of growth.
"As FOLICEA grows, let us continue to put unity above individual interests. When we work together with integrity, professionalism, and a shared vision, there is no limit to what this federation can accomplish for Liberians across the region."
As part of the way forward, FOLICEA announced that preparations are underway for its 2026 Regional Summit, with the official date expected to be announced by July 10, 2026.
The federation also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberian diplomatic missions, development partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen diaspora engagement and improve opportunities for Liberians living throughout East Africa.
The celebration concluded with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to advancing FOLICEA's mission of unity, empowerment, advocacy, and service.
After one year of existence, FOLICEA continues to demonstrate that collaboration, strong leadership, and community engagement can transform a vision into meaningful impact—creating a stronger and more connected Liberian diaspora across East Africa while contributing to the development of Liberia.
About FOLICEA
The Federation of Liberian Communities in East Africa (FOLICEA) is the regional umbrella organization representing Liberian communities across East Africa. The federation promotes unity, socio-economic empowerment, cultural preservation, leadership development, advocacy, and strategic partnerships that enhance the welfare and opportunities of Liberians living throughout the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia Association Of Liberians In Uganda - ALU Liberian Community In Kenya Liberian Students Association in Kenya Office of Diaspora Affairs Republic of Liberia Liberian Community in Rwanda - Libcor
