ULAA Endorses Vice President Koung for 2029 Presidential Election

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung receives an endorsement from ULAA’s President, signaling support for his potential 2029 presidential bid, despite the organization’s tradition of political neutrality. Concerns over government corruption and immigration issues were also raised at a recent Town Hall meeting, while President Boakai cautioned administration members against focusing on future elections.

The Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, is generating support for a potential presidential candidacy in the 2029 elections, although he has not officially declared his intentions. The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), which comprises Liberians residing in the United States, openly endorsed him in a departure from their customary practice of political neutrality. ULAA’s President, Mr. Mohamed ‘MSG1’ Keita, made this endorsement after presenting a petition to Vice President Koung on behalf of diaspora members facing immigration issues in the US.

During a Town Hall Meeting held on March 8, 2025, in Philadelphia, Mr. Keita urged the Vice President to prepare for the imminent elections, stating, “Remember 2029 is coming, if you are ready, we are ready!” It remains uncertain if Vice President Koung, who is in his late 40s, will formally enter the presidential race. The people of Liberia are scheduled to participate in elections in October 2029 to select a new President, Vice President, and lawmakers.

This endorsement by ULAA is notable as the organization traditionally abstains from endorsing any candidates in presidential elections, instead opting to collaborate with all administrations for the betterment of both diaspora members and the Liberian populace. Prior to this endorsement, ULAA President Keita had addressed issues such as corruption within the Liberian government and concerns related to immigration affecting Liberians abroad.

At the Town Hall event, Vice President Koung did not publicly react to Mr. Keita’s endorsement but acknowledged ongoing efforts against corruption within the government. His reticence may be attributed to a cautionary stance by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who advised members of his administration to refrain from political aspirations for the upcoming elections. President Boakai emphasized, “If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign. My priority is serving the Liberian people right now,” during his Cabinet Meeting on March 3rd, 2025.

In summary, the endorsement of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung by the ULAA represents a significant shift in the organization’s tradition of political neutrality. While the Vice President’s intentions for the 2029 presidential election remain ambiguous, the endorsement underscores a growing interest in his potential candidacy. Simultaneously, there are reminders from President Boakai regarding the need for current administration members to prioritize their roles over future political aspirations. As the political landscape approaches the upcoming elections, the focus on corruption and immigration issues continues to resonate.

Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com