NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Newly appointed Executive Director of the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at transforming the Commission into a modern institution capable of responding to Liberia’s evolving migration and displacement challenges.
Speaking during his official takeover ceremony, Cllr. Bangalu described his appointment as a renewed signal of the government’s commitment to migration governance, human dignity, and institutional reform.
He expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for retaining him at the Cabinet level, noting that the decision underscores the importance of refugee affairs, statelessness, deportation, and internal displacement on the national agenda.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
“Today is not just a change of leadership; it marks a new chapter in Liberia’s response to some of the most complex human mobility challenges of our time,” Bangalu declared.
The new Executive Director emphasized that the LRRRC can no longer function as a single-issue institution, stressing that migration patterns, national realities, and global trends have significantly changed.
As part of the transformation, he revealed plans to expand the Commission’s mandate to cover migration governance, statelessness, Liberian deportees, internally displaced persons, and emerging cross-border movements.
Among the key reforms outlined is the proposed amendment of the 1993 Act establishing the LRRRC to align the institution with international best practices and regional frameworks.
Bangalu also disclosed plans to develop a comprehensive, costed work plan, establish a high-level policy working group, and conduct a capacity needs assessment and credentials audit of the Commission.
He noted that while teamwork and mutual respect will guide the reform process, institutional realignment will be unavoidable where gaps exist, adding that additional professionals will be engaged to strengthen service delivery.
On the operational front, Cllr. Bangalu announced that the Commission will commission a baseline study to assess the drivers behind the growing influx of Burkinabè migrants in South-Eastern Liberia.
He also pledged renewed attention to the situation of remaining Ivorian refugees in Liberia, with a focus on durable solutions in line with international protection standards.
Additionally, the LRRRC plans to establish modern reception centers designed to reflect dignity, efficiency, and Liberia’s commitment to human rights, while introducing a credible data management system to support evidence-based policymaking.
Acknowledging the financial demands of the planned reforms, Bangalu disclosed that the Commission, with the President’s backing, will submit a detailed Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) request and supplementary budget proposal, alongside renewed engagement with development partners.
“We are not asking for charity; we are offering partnership grounded in transparency, shared responsibility, and measurable impact,” he told donors.
Addressing staff of the Commission, Bangalu promised open dialogue, professionalism, and fairness, assuring them that although change may be uncomfortable, it will be purposeful and inclusive.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the LRRRC becomes a credible institution where displaced persons
