The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., on Friday, July 29, 2022 welcomed 124 Liberian pilgrims from the holy land of Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who participated in the 2022 Hajj.
Representing President George Manneh Weah, Foreign Minister Kemayah expressed joy that the Weah government made it possible for the country to be represented despite the numerous challenges.
He told the Muslim community that President Weah has interest in all Liberians and those living in Liberia, including the Muslim community. He noted that he, too, bears similar love for the Muslim community in Liberia as President Weah does, notifying his religious tolerance and naming some prominent Muslim leaders he had worked with.
Ambassador Kemayah expressed President Weah’s goodwill and tolerance for religion by appointing a Muslim as his Special Aide and a Muslim religious advisor as part of his government officials.
Foreign Minister Kemayah at the same time reminded the Muslim gathering that, as part of President Weah’s way of identifying with the Muslim community, he visited the New Georgia Mosque on Friday, July 17, 2022, as part of the 2022 July 26 Independence Day celebration. He said the President preached the good news of peace among all Liberians and the religious groups, noting that President George Weah is a man of peace who always speaks of maintaining the peace in Liberia.
The Dean of the Cabinet thanked the group for representing Liberia in the Arab world, and encouraged them to work closely with other groups, including the Weah government, in promoting the good image of Liberia. He assured the Liberian Muslims that they will always be a part of national development, and promised to work with them.
Minister Kemayah encouraged the leaders of the National Muslim Council to do early preparations next time, in order to add up the number of representation next year. He reiterated to the gathering that President Weah has promised to maintain the peace in Liberia before, during and after the 2023 presidential and general elections.
Earlier, the Secretary General of the Muslim Elder Supreme Council, Mamadee Kaba, thanked the Liberian government for their support to the Muslim community, especially for helping in the transportation of the representatives. He pledged their cordial working relationship with the Weah government.
In separate remarks, participants and representatives from Liberia, Alhaji Cllr. Sualiho Sesay, Executive Member, National Muslim Council of Liberia and Chairman of the Islamic Preaching Union, Margibi County, and Haja Hawa Nyei, a 2022 pilgrim, shared their experiences of this year’s hajj. They both noted that it was an eye opener for them, especially as prominent citizens and leaders in the Muslim community of Liberia.
A total of 124 Muslims, 69 men and 55 women, represented Liberia.