Monrovia – A Liberian political analyst and Bong County native, David K. Flomo, has commended President Joseph Boakai for what he describes as meaningful steps toward national peace and reconciliation.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Speaking to FrontPageAfrica from the United States Wednesday, Mr. Flomo said the solemn reburials mark a significant move toward healing the country’s long-standing political wounds and fostering unity among Liberians still grappling with the consequences of decades of civil unrest.
“These reburials are symbolic but important first steps in reconciling our nation with its troubled past,” Flomo said. “They acknowledge the need to honor those who were victims of political violence, and to begin national healing.”
Mr. Flomo urged that while these symbolic acts are commendable, lasting reconciliation must also include accountability and reflection. He called on surviving political actors and former government officials — whom he referred to as the “living progressives” — to publicly apologize to the Liberian people for their roles in undermining the governments of Presidents Tolbert and Doe, which, he claimed, contributed to the political instability that eventually led to civil war.
Among those he named were Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, Dr. Henry Boimah Fahnbulleh, Dr. George Boley, Dr. H. Boima Fahnbulleh, Dr. Amos Sawyer, and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“These individuals played influential roles during a turbulent political era. A public acknowledgment of the consequences of their actions would go a long way in fostering genuine reconciliation,” Flomo asserted.
He also proposed that the government construct Peace and Reconciliation Monuments in the capital cities of all fifteen counties.
These memorials, he said, would honor the more than 250,000 victims of Liberia’s civil wars—many of whom were buried in mass graves or remain missing.
“Families of war victims need places to mourn, reflect, and honor their loved ones,” Flomo emphasized. “These monuments would serve as national symbols of remembrance, unity, and peace.”
Additionally, he called on the National Legislature to amend Liberia’s existing National Memorial Day to reflect a broader spirit of reconciliation. He proposed renaming the observance to “National Memorial, Peace and Reconciliation Day,” allowing citizens to annually pay tribute to the dead while reaffirming their collective commitment to peace.
Mr. Flomo praised President Boakai’s leadership in what he described as a delicate and emotional moment for the nation, and encouraged continued efforts to pursue inclusive reconciliation beyond ceremonial acts.
