Liberians in East Africa Unite to Launch Regional Federation
May 27, 2025
Nyanza, Rwanda – In a major diplomatic and cultural milestone, Liberian community leaders from Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda came together on May 25, 2025, at UNILAK Campus in Nyanza, to sign a Joint Resolution officially establishing the Federation of Liberian Communities in East Africa (FOLICEA).
The resolution was signed by Mr. Marcus Julay Weah, Chairman, Liberian Community in Kenya, Mr. Emmanuel Brown, Chairman, Association of Liberians in Uganda, Mr. Emmanuel Patrick, Chairman, Liberian Community in Rwanda, and the Liberian Community in Tanzania (LIBCOR proxy on their behalf), marking a new chapter of collaboration, cultural preservation, and collective advocacy for Liberians residing in the region. Other key officials at the signing ceremony were Mr. Prinston Moosh Nimene, Vice Chair for International Affairs, Association of Liberians in Uganda, Mr. James Edgar Denia, Vice Chair for Administrative Affairs, Liberian Community in Rwanda, Mr. Jura Gonyasuo Mangou, Secretary General, Liberian Community in Rwanda, Mr. Jeje Charles Newton, Vice President, LIBSAR – Nyanza Chapter, and Mr. Eric F. Pewee, President of the Association of Liberian Students in ULK-Kigali.
The newly formed FOLICEA is guided by a powerful mission: to serve as a coordinating umbrella body for all recognized Liberian communities in East Africa. Its vision is to promote diaspora unity, facilitate socio-economic empowerment, advocate for Liberian interests, and preserve cultural heritage in a structured, representative, and accountable manner.
To begin implementing its framework and policies, the founding communities have appointed an acting leadership team to serve during a six-month transitional phase. The interim leaders are:
• Chairperson (Rwanda) – Mr. Emmanuel Patrick
• 1st Vice Chairperson for Administration (Kenya) – Mr. Marcus Julay Weah
• 2nd Vice Chairman for International Affairs (Tanzania) – Mr. Cream Milton Ellis
• Secretary General (Rwanda) – Name to be submitted soon
• Accountant (Uganda) – Name to be submitted soon
This leadership will serve for a four-month transitional period, after which official elections will be held in accordance with the federation's bylaws.
The resolution outlines a robust governance structure built on rotational leadership, equal representation, and financial transparency. Notably, no single community can hold the same executive position twice in a row, ensuring equitable participation and fresh leadership perspectives.
FOLICEA’s headquarters will be established in Kampala, Uganda, with potential regional offices in other member countries. Member organizations will retain their autonomy while committing to the shared mission and goals of the federation.
With this groundbreaking step, Liberians in East Africa have made history—not just by organizing—but by building a stronger, unified voice to advance their collective future.
As the ink dries on this historic resolution, the excitement is clear: a new era of cross-border collaboration, diaspora empowerment, and cultural pride has officially begun.
