MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In an effort to confront Liberia’s painful past and promote national healing, the government has initiated plans to properly rebury former Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel Kanyon Doe. The decision, outlined in the Annual Message delivered on January 27, 2025, signals a commitment to addressing unresolved historical wounds and fostering reconciliation.
Tolbert, who was overthrown and killed in the 1980 coup, and Doe, who met a violent end during the civil war, remain central figures in Liberia’s history. Their deaths, marked by political turmoil, left deep divisions within the nation. The government’s initiative seeks to provide a dignified reburial, offering a measure of closure to the families and the country at large.
A high-level committee has been assembled to oversee the process, bringing together government officials, religious leaders, and senior statesmen. The team is led by Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Liberia’s Minister of Education, and includes Episcopal Bishop James B. Sellee, Methodist Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Senators Zoe Pennue and Abraham Darius Dillon, former Chief Justice Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, among others.
With a background in governance and strategic planning, Dr. Jallah is expected to coordinate efforts to ensure a respectful and well-organized reburial. The government views this undertaking as a moral obligation, one that reflects a broader commitment to unifying the country and acknowledging the complexities of its past.
The reburial initiative goes beyond ceremonial significance. It serves as a crucial step in addressing historical injustices and reinforcing Liberia’s dedication to national unity. By taking this action, the government aims to turn a page in history, honoring the memory of those lost while strengthening the foundations of peace and reconciliation.
