Liberian Community in Rwanda Inaugurates New Leaders with a Call for Unity and Progress.
August 26, 2024
Liberian Community in Rwanda Inaugurates New Leaders with a Call for Unity and Progress.
The Liberian Community in Rwanda (LIBCOR) celebrated a milestone on Saturday, August 24, 2024, with the inauguration of its 2nd legitimate new leadership at the Lebanon Hotel in Kigali. The event, marked by enthusiasm and a sense of shared purpose, saw five officials formally assume their roles, including the Chairman Emmanuel Patrick, Vice Chair for Administration James Edgar Denia, Vice Chair for International Affairs Oretha K. Saye, Secretary General Jura G. Mangou, and Financial Secretary Sylvester B. Jayjay.
The ceremony, held under the inspiring theme: “Unity and Progress: Strengthening our bonds and building our future", provides Miss Chara Itoka, the keynote speaker, a platform as she delivered a stirring address emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity. Drawing on Liberia’s rich history as a nation of multiple ethnic groups, she highlighted how collective strength could be harnessed for the common good. “In a world that often seeks to divide us, our diversity should be our greatest asset,” she said. “Unity is not about uniformity but about coming together despite our differences to build a stronger, more resilient community.”
The newly elected Chairman, in his inaugural address, echoed similar sentiments while outlining his vision for the community. He cited registration of the community and securing an office space as his primary focus to give the Liberian Community in Rwanda the recognition and respect it needs. "Finding a suitable and accessible office space will be one of our immediate goals considering that without it, we cannot proceed with our community's registration", he explained.
He officially launched the Liberian Community in Rwanda’s website, which is expected to serve as a central hub for communication and engagement among members. "In this digital age, having a robust online presence is essential for communication, outreach, and engagement. Our website will serve as a hub
for information, resources, and updates for all members of our community, as well as a platform to showcase our culture and contributions to Rwanda", the chairman exerted.
A significant part of the Chairman Patrick's speech focused on the theme of accountability. He promised that his administration would operate transparently, with regular updates on the community’s activities and finances. A wise person once said, “it is easy to make promises, but it is hard work to keep them”, he quoted. “This quote resonates deeply with our committing to accountability. With this, our administration is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of accountability, ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their actions”, the chairman assured.
The Chairman, in the closing stage of his speech launched a community-driven initiative, appealing to all members to participate in a 2,000 rwf rally aimed at raising funds for the official registration and securing an office space of the Liberian Community in Rwanda. This initiative is seen as a crucial step toward formalizing the community's presence and ensuring its recognition by the Liberian government, Rwandan government, and international bodies. “Fellow Liberians, the financial position of our community is in total distress, and in order to support our National Budget, we want to officially launch a 2,000 rwf rally beginning today August 24 till September 24, 2024. we kindly plead with you, to join us in leading this change”, the Chairman pleaded.
The event was attended by a cross-section of Liberians from various provinces living in Rwanda, including chapter heads, business owners, students, and professionals, as well as representatives from other African communities, specifically the Liberian Community in Uganda represented by its chairman Mr. Emmanuel Brown. The atmosphere was one of unison, with lively discussions and networking taking place alongside the formal proceedings
As the event concluded, there was a profound sense of optimism about the future of the Liberian Community in Rwanda. The ceremony not only marked the beginning of a new leadership term but also reinforced the values of unity, progress, and shared responsibility that will guide the community forward.
The inauguration ceremony was a reminder that while the Liberian Community in Rwanda may be far from home, its members remain deeply connected to their roots and committed to building a better future together.
~Jura G. Mangou, Secretary General-LIBCOR
