MONROVIA – Liberia’s relationship with African-Americans has long transcended diplomacy, resting instead on shared history, identity, and a complex legacy of return, nation-building, and unfinished reconciliation. In recent years, as African diaspora engagement has re-emerged as a strategic development tool across the continent, Liberian political actors have increasingly sought to reposition the country as a natural anchor for African-American reconnection. Against this backdrop, a call by a sitting Liberian lawmaker for African-Americans to “come home” carries both symbolic and policy significance. It raises questions about citizenship, investment access, historical responsibility, and how Liberia intends to convert emotional ties into structured national development partnerships in a competitive global diaspora economy. THE ANALYST reports
Nimba County Representative and political leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Musa Hassan Bility, has called on African-Americans to reconnect with Liberia, describing the country as their historical and cultural home and urging deeper engagement through settlement, investment, and national participation.
Bility made the remarks on Friday on the sidelines of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Award Dinner in the United States, where he attended alongside government officials, community leaders, and prominent figures from the African-American community.
Speaking in an interview following his major oration at the event, the Liberian lawmaker said he was honored to represent Liberia at what he described as a meaningful international gathering, underscoring the deep historical bond between Liberia and African-Americans.
“It’s a good feeling,” Bility said. “Every time I have the opportunity to represent my country, I’m happy to do that. Our relationship with the African-American community is special. It is their parents and grandparents who created Liberia, so we always pay homage to them.”
Bility described the event as an important platform for engagement with influential leaders and an opportunity to reflect on the future of Liberia–United States relations, particularly from a people-to-people and diaspora perspective.
“I’m proud to be here and happy to be invited among the quality and level of people and government officials present,” he added. “It gives you a glimpse into the future.”
According to the CMC leader, his central message at the program focused on reinforcing historical ties and encouraging African-Americans to view Liberia not merely as a symbolic homeland, but as a viable place for return, opportunity, and contribution.
“I tried to link Liberia with the United States historically and to tell the African-American community that they should look at Liberia as their heritage,” Bility said. “They should come home and make Liberia their home.”
Beyond symbolism, Bility disclosed that he has already introduced legislation in Liberia aimed at making it easier for people of African-American descent to settle, invest, and fully participate in national life. He described the initiative as part of a broader effort to remove structural barriers that have historically limited diaspora engagement.
“We will ensure that people of African-American descent are given easy access to opportunities, just as I have access here,” he said, adding that such reforms are critical to Liberia’s long-term economic growth and global integration.
Highlighting the economic dimension of closer ties, Bility pointed to the substantial financial capacity within African-American communities, arguing that effective engagement could unlock new development pathways for Liberia.
“Black people in this country are very rich,” he said. “We have narrowed them to America. We need to expand their horizons and understanding of the world. The closest place in Africa where they can identify themselves is Liberia.”
Despite his brief stay in the United States, Bility emphasized his continued focus on domestic responsibilities, noting that his participation at the event was short and purposeful.
“Whatever I have to do to represent my country, I will do,” he said. “I took this weekend to attend this program, and I’m on my way back.”
The Martin Luther King Jr. Award Dinner is held annually to honor the late civil rights leader’s legacy of equality, justice, and unity, while also serving as a platform for dialogue on global issues affecting people of African descent.
Reacting to Bility’s participation, CMC National Chairman James M. V. Yougie said the lawmaker’s presence at the event reflects the movement’s growing national and international profile.
“Musa Hassan Bility’s presence at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Dinner reflects the growing national and international stature of the Citizens Movement for Change and reaffirms our commitment to justice, equality, and people-centered leadership,” Yougie said.
According to him, voices from Liberia advocating fairness, accountability, and genuine democratic reform are increasingly resonating beyond the country’s borders.
“The movement is here,” Yougie added.