President Joseph N. Boakai has pledged dignified burials for former Presidents Tolbert and Doe in Liberia, aiming for national healing post-conflict. The National Committee has been formed to oversee this process, while investigations into unresolved deaths and civil conduct within the military continue to gain importance. Challenges remain in locating Doe’s remains, prompting a call for international assistance.
In a significant step towards historical reconciliation in Liberia, President Joseph N. Boakai has announced plans for a dignified burial for former Presidents William R. Tolbert and Samuel K. Doe. Both leaders were brutally killed during violent overthrows. In addition, the government will honor 13 officials executed following the April 1980 military coup led by Doe, which resulted in Tolbert’s assassination.
The National Committee for the Reburial of Presidents Tolbert and Doe has been formed under the leadership of Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah. The committee comprises esteemed members like Bishop James B. Sellee and Senator Zoe Pennoh, all dedicated to ensuring proper recognition of those who suffered during the civil conflict. The April 22nd Memorial Group also plays a critical role in advocating for a respectful burial.
Following President Boakai’s declaration, the remains of President Tolbert and his associates have been exhumed from a mass grave for reburial. They are currently laid to rest at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, pending official ceremonies in July. Tolbert was an ordained minister and a prominent religious leader before his assassination.
Despite the accolades for the reburial initiative, challenges remain in locating the remains of former President Doe, whose death has remained shrouded in mystery. Captured by the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia in September 1990, Doe was reportedly tortured and killed, with accounts suggesting his body was burned and the ashes disposed of in a river.
Additional complications arose from a recent conversation with a political ally of the interim government during the civil war. This individual recounted an unsettling incident in which Prince Y. Johnson displayed a skull, claiming it belonged to Samuel Doe, raising questions about the actual whereabouts of Doe’s remains.
Thus, it is a pressing recommendation that the National Committee actively collaborate with international experts to search for Doe’s remains, particularly in areas associated with Johnson’s past. Notably, President Boakai has also initiated significant actions toward accountability for war crimes and unjust deaths occurring in recent years, including the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia.
Furthermore, he has pledged to investigate unresolved cases of fatalities among government auditors, with hopes to address public concerns about accountability and justice. The necessity for thorough investigations into incidents of violence involving armed forces must not be overlooked to safeguard national stability.
In conclusion, President Boakai is redefining Liberia’s narrative by facilitating reconciliation and justice for victims of past atrocities. His commitment to thorough investigations into unresolved murders and exhortations for civil conduct among military personnel denote a conscientious path towards healing and accountability in Liberia.
President Joseph N. Boakai’s initiative to ensure dignified burials for former Presidents Tolbert and Doe signifies a major stride towards national reconciliation in Liberia. Despite challenges in locating Doe’s remains, the establishment of a dedicated committee and potential international collaboration are crucial steps. President Boakai’s broader commitment to accountability, justice, and the investigation of past abuses enhances hopes for security and moral integrity in Liberia’s future.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
