President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has set up a National Committee to oversee the dignified reburial of former Liberian Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel Kanyon Doe. This move is part of the government’s efforts to bring closure to painful events in Liberia’s history and promote national reconciliation.
During his Annual Message on January 27, 2025, President Boakai stressed the importance of giving a dignified burial to both leaders. President Tolbert was killed during the 1980 coup that brought the People’s Redemption Council (PRC) to power, while President Doe was brutally executed during the Liberian civil war in 1990. Their deaths marked turning points in Liberia’s history, and many believe that properly honoring them is key to healing past wounds.
To ensure this process is carried out respectfully, President Boakai has appointed a 14-member committee, led by Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Liberia’s Minister of Education. The committee includes religious leaders, government officials, and prominent figures from different backgrounds.
Dr. Jallah, an experienced educator and administrator, has been tasked with leading the team in organizing the reburial. With over two decades of experience in academia and public service, she is expected to bring a structured approach to the process.
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This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering unity, recognizing historical injustices, and ensuring that Liberia moves forward while honoring its past. Many Liberians see this as a significant step toward national healing, as it acknowledges the difficult chapters of the country’s history while promoting peace and reconciliation.
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