By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — Jerror Cole Bangalu has officially taken over as Executive Director of the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), unveiling a far-reaching reform agenda aimed at repositioning the institution to address Liberia’s growing migration, displacement, and statelessness challenges.
Speaking at his takeover ceremony, Bangalu described the leadership transition as more than a routine administrative change, calling it a defining moment for the Commission and the country.
“Today is not just a change of leadership. Today marks a new chapter in the life of this Commission and in Liberia’s response to some of the most complex human mobility challenges of our time,” Bangalu said.
Confidence from the Presidency
Bangalu expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the confidence placed in him, noting that his retention at the Cabinet level reflects the government’s commitment to reform, inclusion, and the protection of human dignity.
“His decision to maintain me at the Cabinet table as Executive Director of this Commission is not only a personal honor, it is a clear signal that migration, displacement, statelessness, and the welfare of our people matter at the highest level of government,” he stated.
Expanding the Role of the LRRRC
According to Bangalu, the LRRRC must move beyond its traditional single-issue focus and adapt to evolving national and global realities.
“The world has changed. Migration has changed. Liberia has changed. And so we must change too,” he declared.
He disclosed plans to expand the Commission’s mandate to cover migration governance, statelessness, Liberian deportees, internally displaced persons, and emerging cross-border population movements, stressing that the transformation will be comprehensive.
“This transformation will not be cosmetic. It will be structural, legal, and strategic,” Bangalu emphasized.
Institutional and Legal Reforms
As part of the reform process, Bangalu announced intentions to amend the 1993 Act establishing the LRRRC to align the institution with international best practices and regional frameworks. He also outlined plans for a comprehensive, costed work plan that will be results-driven and responsive to national priorities.
Additionally, a high-level Policy Working Group comprising experts from government, academia, civil society, and development partners will be established to guide evidence-based policymaking.
Staff Realignment and Capacity Building
Bangalu said the Commission will conduct a capacity needs assessment and credentials audit to ensure institutional effectiveness.
“We will work together in an atmosphere of cordiality, mutual respect, and teamwork, but there will be realignment, shifts, and reforms where necessary,” he said.
He clarified that the process is not intended to punish staff but to ensure the institution is fit for purpose.
Data-Driven and Operational Priorities
The new Executive Director underscored the need for a modern data management system, warning against policy decisions made without reliable data.
“Policy without data is guesswork, and guesswork has no place in protecting vulnerable lives,” Bangalu noted.
Operational priorities outlined include a baseline study on the drivers of the increasing influx of Burkinabè migrants in southeastern Liberia, addressing the situation of remaining Ivorian refugees, and working toward the establishment of modern reception centers that uphold dignity and human rights.
Funding and Donor Engagement
Bangalu acknowledged that implementing the reforms will require significant financial resources. He said the Commission, with the President’s backing, will submit a Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) request and a supplementary budget proposal while strengthening donor partnerships.
“We are not asking for charity. We are offering partnership grounded in transparency, shared responsibility, and measurable impact,” he told development partners.
Message to Staff and the Public
Addressing LRRRC staff, Bangalu described them as the backbone of the institution and pledged open communication and shared ownership of success.
“Change will not always be comfortable, but I promise it will be fair, professional, and purposeful,” he assured.
To the Liberian public, Bangalu pledged that the Commission would prioritize the protection of displaced persons, responsible migration management, and the upholding of human dignity.
“With the President’s full support, the commitment of our partners, and the dedication of our staff, I am confident that the LRRRC will emerge stronger, more relevant, and fit for the future,” he said.
Bangalu concluded by congratulating his predecessor and calling on stakeholders to support the Commission’s renewed mission.
