By Archie Boan
Monrovia, Liberia – The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), long regarded as the nonpartisan voice of the Liberian diaspora, is facing growing controversy after its sitting National Vice President, Mrs. Emmanuette G. Nagbe, accepted an appointment as Chairperson of the Women’s Wing of the opposition Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) in the United States.
The development has triggered sharp criticism from diaspora leaders who fear ULAA’s credibility and founding principles are at risk. Founded in 1974, ULAA has prided itself on being a politically neutral body advocating for good governance, human rights, and accountability in Liberia.
“A Dangerous Blurring of Lines”
Mr. Sizi Goyah, Vice Chairman of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM)—ULAA’s largest member organization—was among the first to sound the alarm.
“The Citizens Movement for Change recently appointed ULAA’s sitting Vice President to a prominent leadership role. And now, according to the flyer for the upcoming ULAA National Convention, Musa Hassan Bility—the sole proprietor of CMC—is listed as keynote speaker,” Goyah wrote on social media.
“This is not just a coincidence. It’s a dangerous blurring of lines,” he warned, adding that ULAA’s apolitical integrity could be undermined by such developments.
Calls for Resignation and Boycott
Goyah called on CMC to withdraw Mrs. Nagbe’s appointment or for her to voluntarily resign from ULAA. He pointed to precedent, citing former ULAA Vice President Varney Sackey, who resigned when he entered active politics in Liberia.
“You cannot be a partisan leader and simultaneously claim to represent a nonpartisan diaspora institution,” he argued.
If corrective measures are not taken, Goyah said OLM would consider:
- A full boycott of all ULAA national activities
- Suspension of financial contributions to ULAA
- Reconsideration of OLM’s membership in the national body
“ULAA must remain independent. It must remain principled. It must remain unsold,” he declared.
CMC Welcomes Appointment
In a recent press release, CMC confirmed Mrs. Nagbe’s appointment, highlighting her “extensive experience” and noting that her ULAA position presents “strategic opportunities” to expand the party’s reach abroad.
As Women’s Wing Chairperson, Mrs. Nagbe will be tasked with mobilizing Liberian women across the United States, supporting CMC’s political vision, and promoting grassroots engagement for change in Liberia.
CMC also noted that her husband, Mr. Victor Nagbe—who currently chairs ULAA’s Diaspora Affairs Committee—serves as an executive of CMC USA.
ULAA Silent Amid Rising Concerns
So far, ULAA’s national leadership, including its President and Executive Committee, has not issued a formal statement on the matter. The organization’s internal rules regarding political activities by its officers remain unclear, fueling further debate.
Observers say the controversy could escalate ahead of ULAA’s upcoming National Convention, where CMC leader Musa Bility is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
At Stake: ULAA’s Founding Identity
For more than five decades, ULAA has served as a unifying and nonpartisan platform for Liberians abroad. Its reputation as an independent watchdog has enabled it to push for reforms in Liberia, particularly during times of political upheaval.
Now, critics worry the organization could lose the very neutrality that has defined its identity.
As the debate simmers, all eyes are on ULAA’s leadership to see whether it will confront the issue or allow the controversy to unfold unchecked.
