Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Ethnicity in Africa

Greatest African leaders

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and unity in her statement: “Ethnicity should enrich us; it should make us a unique people in our diversity and not be used to divide us.”

She highlights that differences in ethnicity should be celebrated as a way to enrich and strengthen society, rather than be used as a tool to create division and conflict. By embracing diversity and recognizing the value of different cultural perspectives, people can learn from each other and work together towards a common goal.

Sirleaf’s statement suggests that the negative consequences of using ethnicity to divide people include discrimination, economic marginalization, and even violence. Instead, the Liberian former leader encourages the idea that unity can be achieved through diversity, and that respecting and celebrating different ethnic backgrounds can lead to greater understanding and progress.