MONROVIA – In his latest “Letter from Saclepea” column, penned from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Hon. Musa Hassan Bility reflects on his recent interactions with Liberians in the diaspora. As a lawmaker and leader of the Citizens Movement for Change, Bility shares his observations on the stark contrast between the unity and respect he witnesses among Liberians abroad and the often-divisive politics back home. His experiences have led him to ponder the possibilities of replicating the culture of harmony and accountability in Liberia’s political landscape.
Bility’s commentary is particularly timely, given the current state of Liberian politics. As he prepares to leave the United States, he is convinced that the country must draw inspiration from the American system of governance, where leaders are held accountable and citizens are treated with respect regardless of their background. With the 2029 elections on the horizon, Bility calls for a new era of leadership in Liberia, one that prioritizes substance over celebrity and accountability over popularity. His message from America is clear: it’s time for Liberians to demand more from their leaders and build a better future for the country. See BELOW for full text of Rep. Bility’s latest “Letter from Saclepea”.
Letter from Saclepea
Written in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
By Hon. Musa Hassan Bility
It has been about ten days since my arrival in the United States, and this time, I am writing from the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. In these few days, I have met Liberians from every walk of life, from every political persuasion, tribe, and faith. What has struck me most is not our differences but our shared respect for one another.
Here, tribe does not define us. Religion does not divide us. Political affiliation does not make us enemies. In every Liberian gathering I have attended, I have seen people express their views freely, sometimes passionately, but always respectfully. And I have asked myself, why is this possible here and yet so difficult back home?
Perhaps it is because of the American system itself, the culture of tolerance, law, and freedom that shapes every interaction. Perhaps it is because of the shared experience of being minorities in a foreign land, where unity becomes a necessity for survival and progress. Or perhaps it is because, deep within us, we all desire a Liberia that works like this, a Liberia that respects its people regardless of tribe, religion, or politics.
What moves me most is how capable Liberians in the diaspora are. I have met entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities whose brilliance and creativity inspire admiration. I have seen professionals, students, and community leaders who make Liberia proud every single day. They embody competence, discipline, and the relentless drive that our homeland so desperately needs.
It makes me realize something powerful: we have already built a better version of Liberia in the diaspora. The question now is how to bring that Liberia home.
How do we transfer this culture of harmony, mutual respect, and accountability to our politics? How do we move beyond celebrity politics, beyond the politics of sympathy and crowd size, to the politics of substance, where leaders are judged not by popularity but by their record, their integrity, and their service?
As I prepare to leave the United States, one conviction remains unshaken in my heart: the America that shaped our constitution and inspired our founding fathers must once again inspire our governance. But not merely in words, we must live the principles that made this nation great, rule of law, accountability, hard work, and respect for one another.
Come 2029, we must bring the diaspora back home, not just physically but intellectually and morally. We must bring America’s system of accountability, fairness, and order into our Liberian political culture. Only then will our politicians be held truly accountable for their stewardship, past, present, and future.
That is my reflection from the Twin Cities.
That is my message from America.
That is my hope for Liberia.