By Amos Harris
Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., has issued a clarion call for unity and collective development among members of the Liberian diaspora in France.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new leadership of the Liberian United Mandingo for Development in France (LUMDF) and their Eid celebrations, the Ambassador urged the community to rise above divisions and actively participate in national development through shared initiatives.
The event, held at 12 Rue de Stalingrad in Drancy, brought together a large crowd of Liberians, community leaders, and friends of Liberia under the theme: “Unity in the Liberian Community and Development.”
Ambassador Yorlay, who officially assumed his duties in France on February 10, 2025, used the occasion to outline his diplomatic mission and share the vision of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration. He emphasized that his mission as ambassador transcends politics and ethnicity, promising to represent all Liberians across France and other nations under his accreditation, including Cyprus, Greece, Monaco, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.
He vowed to champion the inclusive vision of President Boakai through the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which targets revitalization in Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. “As your ambassador, I am here not only to serve but to genuinely connect, listen with intent, and work with all of you,” he declared. “Together, we can build stronger bridges between Liberia and France, and across Europe.”
One of the key highlights of the ambassador’s address was a call for the creation of a united Liberian umbrella organization in France. Dr. Yorlay stressed that internal divisions among Liberians in France have hindered efforts such as hosting Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations and maximizing diplomatic and community engagement. “It is time to end the fragmentation,” he said. “Unity makes us stronger and gives us a louder voice not only in advocating for our community here in France but in contributing meaningfully to Liberia’s future.”
He praised LUMDF’s efforts and announced the appointment of Mrs. Inez Saydee Pennue as Peace Ambassador to help unify the Liberian community under a single, cohesive structure.
In outlining tangible pathways for diaspora engagement, Ambassador Yorlay detailed several promising opportunities through which Liberians in France can contribute to national development. These include Diaspora Investment Forums to connect Liberian entrepreneurs with ventures back home, agribusiness partnerships to boost Liberia’s food security through modern techniques and collaboration, tourism and cultural promotion to highlight Liberia’s rich heritage and traditions on global platforms, educational exchanges with French institutions to empower young Liberians with training and scholarships, and real estate and infrastructure initiatives to respond to housing and modernization demands.
“Imagine Liberian tech talent creating solutions that connect our people at home and abroad,” Yorlay said, illustrating the potential for digital entrepreneurship.
Throughout his speech, Ambassador Yorlay emphasized unity in diversity, encouraging Liberians to move beyond past disagreements and divisions. He called for love, peace, and a collective purpose in promoting Liberia’s growth. “We are all ambassadors of Liberia,” he reminded the audience. “Let us choose love over hate, togetherness over separation, and peace over conflict.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Yorlay reiterated his open-door policy at the Liberian Embassy in Paris, encouraging community members to bring forward their ideas and initiatives. “My door remains widely open. Now is the time. Together, let us build bridges of opportunity, unity, and development for Liberia and ourselves.”
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