Monrovia – In a solemn ceremony steeped in reflection and national introspection, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on Liberians to embrace a path of genuine reconciliation, truth, and justice as the nation commemorates the life and legacy of former President William R. Tolbert Jr. and other victims of the 1980 military coup.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh [email protected], and J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
Speaking at the memorial and reburial ceremony held in Monrovia, President Boakai described the occasion as more than a symbolic gesture, terming it an “act of national conscience” and a pivotal step in confronting Liberia’s painful past.
“This memorial, decades after his tragic death, is not simply a ceremonial gesture. It is an act of national conscience,” President Boakai declared. “It is a moment to restore dignity, to acknowledge historical wrongs, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation.”
He acknowledged the enduring scars left by the events of April 12, 1980, when President Tolbert was assassinated in a bloody coup and 13 members of his administration were summarily executed by the military junta led by Samuel Doe ten days later following
“These wrongs have left scars,” Boakai said, “but they have also left us with a responsibility—a responsibility to turn our sorrows into seeds of hope, to draw from our pain a renewed sense of purpose, and to ensure that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.”
Calling for national unity, the President emphasized the need to transform Liberia’s shared suffering into a “foundation of shared strength,” urging the country to use its collective memory as a unifying force rather than a point of division.
“Let the stories of loss and resilience instill in us a deeper sense of patriotism and a lasting commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation,” he added.
President Tolbert, who served as Liberia’s 20th president, also held several prominent international roles, including Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) and President of the Baptist World Alliance. Boakai praised him as a visionary leader, committed to reform, Pan-Africanism, social justice, youth empowerment, and the unification of Liberians.
“He was a man of deep conviction and immense discipline. A Baptist preacher by calling and a statesman by duty, he brought to the presidency a sense of moral clarity and a deep commitment to building a nation where all Liberians could find dignity in their citizenship,” Boakai said.
Though he never served under President Tolbert, Boakai said he was deeply inspired by Tolbert’s intellect, values, and pursuit of an equitable Liberia.
“His policies sought to bridge divides, uplift the poor, and expand opportunity. His vision for national development was anchored in the belief that Liberia could only thrive when justice and inclusion became the pillars of our democracy,” he added.
President Boakai acknowledged the many traumas that have shaped Liberia’s history, from unhealed historical tensions and violent government overthrows to the devastating civil wars that claimed nearly 250,000 lives.
“We must let our shared suffering become the foundation of our shared strength. Let us allow our collective memory to serve not as a point of division, but as a force for unity,” he emphasized.
In a personal note to the Tolbert family, President Boakai extended the sympathy of a grateful nation:
“Your father, your grandfather, your relative served this nation with distinction. Your lives of tolerance have been irreproachable and magnanimous. I urge you to continue to honor his memory not only through mourning but through purposeful contribution to national unity and healing.”
Calling on all Liberians, Boakai said the occasion should spark a renewed commitment to unity and progress:
“Let us reject the forces that divide us. Let us choose peace over vengeance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation. The Liberia we seek to build must be one where the legacy of our leaders is honored with truth, with respect, and with accountability.”
He concluded by calling for history to be taught honestly and reconciliation to be pursued with conviction—not convenience:
“Let us teach the younger generation about the life and leadership of President Tolbert—not only as a former head of state but as a symbol of faith, hope, and dignity in public service.”
Remembering April 12, 1980
On April 12, 1980, President Tolbert was assassinated in a military coup by 17 low-ranking soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia. Ten days later, 13 of his senior officials—including House Speaker Richard Henries, Senate Pro Tempore Frank Tolbert, and Chief Justice James A.A. Pierre—were executed by firing squad after a kangaroo court trial. Their bodies were dumped into a mass grave at the historic Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street in Monrovia.
In February 2025, a team from St. Moses Funeral Parlor reportedly uncovered a mass grave at Palm Grove believed to contain the remains of Tolbert and the slain officials. Their remains were transferred to the funeral parlor and later reburied at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary in Paynesville. A memorial park, named Remembrance Park, was dedicated at the site in their honor.
A Call to Confront the Past
The ceremony was organized by the April 22nd Memorial Group, comprising relatives of the victims, in partnership with the Government of Liberia. Rev. Samuel Benedict Reeves, Jr., Senior Pastor of Providence Baptist Church and President of the Liberia Council of Churches, delivered a moving tribute, urging the nation to view the memorial as a call to action.
Cllr. Eyvette Chesson-Wureh, a relative and one of the organizers, reflected on the injustice of the executions and the denial of due process.
“Despite deep pain, the families have channeled grief into purpose—by building a memorial park and advocating for national healing through education, remembrance, and reconciliation,” she said.
She further urged Liberians to confront the injustices of the past and to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
“We are calling for truth, justice, and national recognition through education, memorialization, and implementation of the TRC’s recommendations,” she said.
“Healing requires honesty, justice, and unity. Let us honor the past not by forgetting, but by confronting it—so that such atrocities never happen again.”
