By Morlu Freeman
In a solemn and emotional ceremony, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially dedicated the massacre grave in Kpotomai Town, Voinjama District, Lofa County.
The site is one of 35 recognized locations where atrocities were committed during Liberia’s civil conflict, with Kpotomai bearing the scars of a 1993 massacre attributed to ULIMO forces.
Residents gathered in large numbers to witness the formal handover of the grave site, expressing deep appreciation for what they described as a long-overdue gesture of remembrance and respect for the lives lost. The dedication marks a significant step in the national effort to confront and memorialize Liberia’s conflict-era history.
Speaking at the event, Joseph Blame of the INCHR emphasized the importance of honoring victims of the civil war and highlighted that ten such sites have now been recognized across Liberia with UNDP support. He called on the Liberian government to intensify efforts to identify and preserve more locations documented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
UNDP representatives expressed sympathy for the community, calling the Kpotomai massacre a painful chapter in the nation’s history. They encouraged residents to preserve the historical hut established at the site as a permanent memorial. UNDP also reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting communities, particularly in rural areas, in their efforts to remember and heal.
Voinjama District Commissioner Hon. David Marwolo thanked INCHR and UNDP for their work and noted the grave site’s importance in fostering collective memory and national reconciliation.
Commissioner Marwolo proposed several recommendations to enhance the site:
* Installation of Solar Lighting: To improve safety and visibility, particularly at night.
* Construction of Sanitary Facilities: To ensure hygienic conditions for visitors and residents.
* Fencing of the Site: To protect the integrity of the memorial for future generations.
* Improved Access Roads: To make the site more accessible for the community and visitors.
The dedication of the Kpotomai massacre grave stands as both a solemn reminder of Liberia’s past and a hopeful symbol of the nation’s resilience.
As the country continues to reckon with the legacy of its conflict, such acts of remembrance play a vital role in the journey toward justice, healing, and lasting peace.
