–Expands Terms Of Reference For ECOMOG Memorial Committee To Include UNMIL Recognition
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has established a National Committee to oversee the proper reburial of former Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel Kanyon Doe.
In his Annual Message delivered on January 27, 2025, President Boakai declared the government’s commitment to accord dignified burials to President Tolbert and his Cabinet Members who were killed in April 1980, as well as President Doe, who was slain during the Liberian civil war. This historic initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to foster national unity, reconciliation, and healing by bringing closure to a painful chapter in Liberia’s history.
Individuals appointed to serve on the Reburial Committee are Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education (Chairperson); the Right Reverend James B. Sellee, Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia; Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Bishop of the United Methodist Church; Senator Zoe Pennue, Grand Gedeh County; Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Montserrado County; Clavendar Parker, Senior Citizen; Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia; Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL); Ambassador Ethel Davis, Member, Policy Advisory Council (PAC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Alfreda Tamba, April 22nd Memorial Group; Benoni Urey, Former Director General, Liberia Maritime Authority; John T. Richardson; and Rev. Emmett Dun.
According to an Executive Mansion press release, this initiative represents a significant step toward national healing and reconciliation, acknowledging Liberia’s complex history while striving for a united and peaceful future.
In a related development, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has expanded the Terms of Reference of the ECOMOG Memorial Committee to include recognition of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for its pivotal role in restoring peace and stability to the nation.
The President initially constituted the ECOMOG Memorial Committee on January 29, 2025, under the Chairmanship of Major General (Rtd) Daniel Ziankahn. The committee was tasked with honoring the contributions of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia’s peace process.
With this expansion, the committee will also undertake the rehabilitation of the Peace Monument on Du-port Road and reinitiate efforts to identify locations of mass graves across the country.
Following ECOMOG’s intervention in 1990, UNMIL launched its largest peacekeeping mission at the time in Liberia in 2003.
Over the course of its mandate, UNMIL played a critical role in stabilizing the country, overseeing the disarmament process, facilitating democratic elections in 2005, and laying the foundation for nation-building and governance reforms.
The United Nations also established a peacebuilding framework that continues to support Liberia’s progress both domestically and internationally.
“Today, Liberia celebrates over 22 years of uninterrupted peace. In recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of both ECOMOG and UNMIL, the Government of Liberia is committed to ensuring they receive the highest honor and appreciation from a grateful nation,” the press release noted.