The ULAA President, Mr. Mohamed ‘MSG1’ Keita, endorsed Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung for the 2029 election, contrary to ULAA’s tradition of political neutrality. This endorsement follows discussions on immigration issues affecting Liberians in the U.S. The situation raises implications regarding the organization’s role in future political landscapes and the Vice President’s response to corruption challenges while adhering to presidential protocol.
The Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has not yet officially declared his candidacy for the 2029 Presidential election but is beginning to gather support. Notably, the President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), Mr. Mohamed ‘MSG1’ Keita, has endorsed him, which contradicts the organization’s longstanding tradition of political neutrality regarding presidential candidates.
Mr. Keita’s endorsement followed a petition presented to Vice President Koung concerning immigration issues faced by Liberians in the United States. During a Town Hall Meeting held on March 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, he rallied attendees by stating, “Remember 2029 is coming, if you are ready, we are ready!” This support has raised eyebrows due to the ULAA’s aim to collaborate with any Liberian administration rather than support individual candidates.
As Liberia approaches its October 2029 elections to select new lawmakers and a President, the dynamics shift notably. ULAA’s traditional stance of non-endorsement may complicate its intended role, as it typically seeks to work harmoniously with all governing bodies for the benefit of its diaspora members as well as Liberians at home.
Furthermore, concerns regarding corruption were highlighted by the Vice President during the event. Although he did not directly respond to the endorsement, he acknowledged the ongoing battle against corruption in the Liberian government. This may be a reflection of his awareness of guidelines set by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who has advised any executive members with intentions for the 2029 election to resign from their posts, stating, “If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign. My priority is serving the Liberian people right now.”
The endorsement from Mr. Mohamed ‘MSG1’ Keita of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung for the 2029 Presidential election signals a significant deviation from ULAA’s traditional stance of non-endorsement. While this endorsement could invigorate Koung’s political support, it raises questions about the organization’s future role in Liberian politics. Additionally, the Vice President is caught amidst calls for integrity in governance while navigating the implications of future candidacies based on his current position.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
