By Danlette G. Washington

Hundreds of Liberiansliving in the diaspora have returned home to Liberia this December as part of the Diaspora Annual Return 2025, a month-long series of events focused on reconnection, investment, culture, and national development.

The annual return brings together Liberians from the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world, along with non-Liberians, including African Americans, who support and have ties to Liberia. Participants include entrepreneurs, entertainers, advocates, professionals, and community leaders.

The return is taking place throughout the month of December, with activities designed to reconnect families, promote business and trade, encourage dialogue with government officials, and support advocacy and development efforts.

Organizers say the initiative aims to strengthen ties between Liberia and its global diaspora by creating space for investment opportunities, cultural exchange, policy discussions, and community healing.

The Government of Liberia officially welcomed returning guests during a welcome-back ceremony held on Friday, December 12, 2025, hosted by Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. The ceremony marked the official opening of the Diaspora Annual Return and welcomed both Liberians and friends of Liberia back home.

Several major events are being held during the return, including a Diaspora Investment Summit, Health Summit, Peace and Reconciliation Dialogue, and the Diaspora Annual Return and UNDP Diaspora Heritage Awards and E-Gala, which drew more than 400 participants. The event was graced by American Hollywood actress AJ Johnson, who expressed excitement about visiting Liberia.

Moreover, advocacy is a key focus of this year’s return. Two major diaspora organizations, the All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship, (ALCOD), and the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, (ULAA), have agreed to formally coordinate their advocacy for out-of-country voting.

As part of that effort, Eminent Emmanuel S. Wettee, Chairman of ALCOD, and Deacon Alfred Sieh, former Chairman of ULAA’s Board of Directors, met with key government officials, including Professor Thomas Romeo Quioh, Chairman of the House Committee on Elections and Inaugurations, Anthony K. Sengbe, Executive Director of the National Elections Commission, and Erasmus Williams, Coordinator of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.

During the meeting, a formal diaspora petition on out-of-country voting was presented, as discussions continue around the constitutional, legal, and logistical requirements for diaspora voting.

Supporters say the move could significantly advance one of the diaspora’s longest-standing democratic demands.

Faith and culture are also part of the month’s activities, including a Christmas Cantata that was held at Effort Baptist Church on Sunday, December 21, bringing together worship, music, and gifts for children.

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