Liberia’s Ambassador to France, TeekoTozayYorlay, has called upon the Muslim community in France to take a serious active role in shaping a brighter future for themselves and their homeland.
Highlighting the potential of the Muslim community in France to contribute positively to both their host country and homeland, including the importance of collective action and community engagement, Yorlay urged, “Together, let us be the architects of the future we desire.”
Amb. Yorlay spoke Saturday, April 12, 2025, when he delivered a special statement at the Liberian United Mandingo for Development’s Inauguration and EID Celebrations in France (LUMDF) under the theme: “Unity in the Liberian Community and Development.”
The event also marked the induction of the community’s new leadership, coupled with the celebration of EID, the festive ceremony marking the breaking of Muslims residing in France last month.
In his address, the Liberian Diploma noted, “This is not only a moment of celebration of progress within your organization, but also a testament to the enduring unity and resilience of the Liberian community in France, especially our proud Mandingo community.”
“So, as your ambassador, I am here not only to serve but to genuinely connect, listen with intent, and work with all of you. As Liberians far and near, our unity is our strength, and our development is our shared destination.
Together we can build stronger bridges between Liberia and France, as well as across Europe, creating meaningful pathways that benefit us all today and secure a brighter future for our children and generations to come,” he emphasized.
According to him, upon his arrival, the Embassy extended an invitation to the leaderships of various Liberian organizations for a meet-and-greet, which provided him with an opportunity to engage with community leaders, including LUMDF’s esteemed leadership.
He explained that he is aware that the lack of unity within the community has unfortunately hindered the opportunity for the larger Liberian umbrella organization in Europe to bring the celebration of Liberia’s National Independence to France.
This, You’re intoned, “It is high time that we put an immediate end to this troubling reality. It is against this backdrop that I gleefully accepted your invitation to speak to you on the theme: Unity in the Liberian Community and Development.”
“As a people far away from home and in France, when we choose love over hate, togetherness over separation, and peace over conflict, we promote the spirit of Liberia that calls for unity in diversity as a cornerstone of national progress and development.
We must learn to cooperate rather than separate through unnecessarily competing against each other simply to prove a point. We must unite to grow stronger because division weakens our collective efforts,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Amb. Yorlay also used the occasion to highlight some of the promising opportunities that can meaningfully engage the Liberian community in France and beyond, ensuring a brighter and prosperous future for all.
Key amongst them are diaspora investment networks, agribusiness partnerships, tourism and cultural promotion, educational and vocational exchange programs, real estate and infrastructure development and digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
He asserted, “Mr. president, distinguished members, dear brothers and sisters — these are just a few avenues through which our community can actively contribute to Liberia’s transformation while also building prosperity here in France.”
“Again, let me reaffirm my unwavering commitment to you. My doors at the Embassy of Liberia in Paris remain widely open to every Liberian. I warmly invite your ideas, your initiatives, and your dreams for a stronger, united, and more prosperous Liberia.
“Let us all know that we are all the ones we have been waiting for ever since to make Liberia the country we all want it to be, and together, let us build bridges of opportunity, unity, and development for Liberia and ourselves because now is the time!”, Yorlay added.
