Monrovia, Liberia – [July 2, 2025] – In a significant effort towards national healing and true reconciliation, President Joseph Nyanmah Boakai led historic reburial and burial ceremonies, honoring some of Liberia’s most influential political figures, including Ex-President Samuel K. Doe, former First Lady Nancy B. Doe, former Senator Prince Johnson, and a soon-to-be reburial of former President William R. Tolbert Jr.
The ceremonies, conducted at different occasions and time intervals represent a proactive step in mending the country’s longstanding division and confronting the troubled history of family feuds after a brutal civil conflict.
Taking place at various sites, the reburial ceremonies drew government officials, community leaders, and the families of those honored.
The solemn and mournful events served not only as a tribute to the leaders who have helped to shape Liberia’s political landscape but also as a public recognition of the deep wounds inflicted by historical injustices and conflicts.
In recent comments made in Zwedru, President Boakai highlighted the importance of collective healing and unity, stating, “Today, we gather not just to remember our leaders but also to reflect on our shared past, filled with struggle, division, and loss. It is time for us to turn the page and strive towards reconciliation and forgiveness. True healing begins when we acknowledge our history, confront our pains, and commit to building a more inclusive future.”
The ceremony paid tribute to Samuel K. Doe, who was President from 1980 until his assassination in 1990, alongside his wife, Nancy B. Doe, a symbol of resilience during tumultuous times.
Their deaths marked significant turning point in Liberia’s history, representing the violent overthrow of a government and the onset of a brutal civil war.
President Boakai also honored the late former Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, of Nimba County a controversial figure for his role in the Liberian civil wars, who passed away in November 2024 from an unspecified cause.
Johnson, a former warlord-turned-politician and a major player in the civil wars from 1989 to 2003, was never prosecuted for war crimes prior to his death at age 72.
William R. Tolbert Jr., another significant figure in Liberia’s political history, is also expected to be honored posthumously. Although he was assassinated in 1980, Tolbert is remembered by many for his reform efforts during his presidency, and his reburial signifies an acknowledgment of diverse narratives within the country’s history.
In conjunction with the burial and reburial ceremonies, President Boakai emphasized National Healing and Reconciliation aimed at addressing lingering grievances from Liberia’s past and promoting dialogue among citizens.
Reactions to the reburial and burial ceremonies have varied, reflecting the complexities of Liberia’s history. Many citizens have expressed optimism and support for President Boakai’s vision for genuine reconciliation and healing so far, viewing this event as an essential step towards healing wounds that have persisted for decades.
The reburial of Samuel Kanyan Doe, burial of former first lady Nancy B. Doe, Sen. Prince Johnson, and expected reburial of William R. Tolbert Jr. serve as a reminder of Liberia’s complex history and the need for a future-oriented national narrative. President Boakai’s initiatives aim to guide a new generation of Liberians towards prioritizing peace, commonality, and shared dignity.
However, some critics argue that ceremonies alone are insufficient. They advocate for concrete policies and actions that confront economic inequalities and political disenfranchisement that have historically polarized the nation.
As the country embarks on this vital journey toward reconciliation, there is hope that the shadows of the past can transform into a future focused on unity and collective purpose. The president’s initiative encourages all Liberians to participate in rebuilding their nation, cultivating an environment where every voice is acknowledged and respected, and reimagining a reconciled country. That’s why we believe his landmark burial and reburial ceremonies are laudable.
