By: Bedeskoe Nyumah Tumbay & Rudolph Vamore
Monrovia: Guinea’s main opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo says, he is surprised with the high level of support for his party and candidature among Guineans residing in Liberia.
Diallo is currently on a weeklong tour and his focus is on social issues confronting the Guinean community in Liberia. “You have followed the reception and the warm welcome I received in Liberia. The mobilization is strong yesterday and today to the extent, I was surprised. I didn’t expect a mobilization of this magnitude. There was the enthusiasm, there was the manpower, and there were the numbers. And then really, I was fulfilled”, Diallo told Kukatonon News; adding, “I know that many of them are UFDG activists, but I did not expect such an impressive number. So I am satisfied to know that my party is very strong here in Liberia, within the Guinean community”.
The Guinean opposition leader arrived in Liberia’s capital Monrovia on Thursday, January 19, 2023, and is due to depart Liberia on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
Diallo toured major communities where some members of the Guinean community dwell in Monrovia and climaxed his visit, with a peace football match at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) in Monrovia.
Speaking to a group of Journalists in an interview, Diallo divulged that his visit to Liberia is not meant for political activities but, rather for social issues confronting the Guinean community in Liberia.
“My visit to Liberia comes as a result of the death of one of my longtime supporters, who was a founding member of the Fouta Corporation in Liberia. Also, I am on a tour of several communities to identify with my people on this side” He stated.
According to him, Guinea and Liberia have long friendship ties with both nations’ citizens dwelling across each border without conflict which shows, the unique relationships between the two nations.
“Historically, Liberia and Guinea have had excellent relations. A relationship, you know, we have had at the beginning and before the establishment of the African Union. There was a good relationship between President Tubman and President Sékou Touré. . And then, when there was the war in Liberia, we opened the borders for the Liberians to come to our country”.
Diallo at the same time called on Liberians and other nationals, to remain peaceful and work in unity to ensure that peace reigns among all as Liberia’s general and presidential elections draw near.
Meanwhile, some members of the Guinea Community have expressed joy over Diallo’s visit to Liberia which symbolizes true leadership.
Abu Jalloh, one of the organizers of the peace football match announced that members of the Guinean community in Liberia are excited over the visit of Diallo to Liberia.
Journalists Emmanuel Logan and E. Orlind Cooper also contributed to this story.
