A perspective from the President and leadership of the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA).

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) is the umbrella organization of all Liberian organizations in Europe.

EFLA was founded in 2005 by Diaspora Liberians in Europe, who fled the Liberian civil war, and has been involved in numerous advocacy efforts for diaspora Liberians in Europe as well as for the well-being of Liberians back home.

EFLA worked tirelessly to ensure the successful passage of the Dual Citizen Act along with our partners from ALCOD, and is currently working together with our partners to have diaspora Liberians vote from abroad. EFLA and its member associations have been involved in many humanitarian and social projects in Liberia over the years, and will continue to do so.

EFLA as the mother organization for all Liberians in Europe, has over the years tried to engage previous governments and sensitize them about the systemic neglect of Liberians residing in Europe.

This ranges from consular problems in the Nordics, to greater participation in diaspora activities organized by the government. This current government is no exception.

Liberians residing in Europe also contribute to the government revenue envelope through our remittances and businesses back home in Liberia. So, we must not be taken for granted!

The Annual Diaspora Conference, by its goals and objectives, should bring together all Liberians in the diaspora to assemble, network, and discuss issues affecting the wider Liberian Diaspora community, as well as the issues the government of Liberia faces.

Unfortunately, the past two (2) diaspora conferences have been turned into a spectacle of prom and pageantry, wherein nearly all high-level government officials and their cronies are trooped to Washington D. C on a mini vacation, paid for by the government of Liberia. Europe was never represented this time around.

THE DIASPORA IS NOT AMERICA ALONE.

The side events ( i.e panel discussions etc.) are usually organized to have their friends and family play key roles in order to get a seat at the “Table”.

The sad truth is that the organizers have never been intentional about getting Liberians in the European Diaspora involved, but continue to pretend to include diaspora Liberians from Europe.

The inherent and systemic disregard for diaspora Liberians in Europe must stop!

No one group of diaspora Liberians is better than the others. We demand that we be accorded the due respect and privileges given to our compatriots.

Going forward, Liberians in Europe will not be involved in any haphazard activities organized by government functionaries.

Europe hosts some of Liberia’s development partners, and we, as Liberian taxpayers in Europe, can engage the European Union Parliament about the Liberian government’s flagrant disregard for including Liberians residing in the EU in diaspora activities it organizes.

In Union Strong, Success Is Assured!

Kindest regards,
Francis M. Mensah/President EFLA