Monrovia, Liberia – July 1, 2025- In a solemn display of national unity and reflection, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. led an array of senior government officials in signing the Book of Condolence for the late President William Richard Tolbert, Jr., Liberia’s 20th President, who was brutally slain during a military coup on April 12, 1980.
Held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, the event marked a critical moment in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to honor past leaders and promote reconciliation. President Tolbert’s assassination, more than four decades ago, marked a turning point in the nation’s political history, ushering in years of conflict and instability.
President Boakai’s presence and leadership at the ceremony signaled a renewed national commitment to restoring dignity and recognition to Liberia’s former leaders. The event is part of a broader initiative announced by President Boakai during his January 27, 2024 Annual Message, which includes the reburial and dignified memorialization of both President Tolbert and President Samuel Kanyon Doe.
Monday’s ceremony drew members of the Executive and Legislative branches of government, members of the Tolbert family, and a cross-section of Liberians. The atmosphere at the historic Pavilion was one of deep reverence and reflection as attendees honored the legacy of a leader whose reformist vision and Pan-African ideals left an indelible mark on Liberia’s history.
In his address delivered during the Funeral on Tuesday at the Centennial Pavilion, President Boakai paid tribute to the late President Tolbert, describing him as a statesman, patriot, and servant of the people whose leadership was marked by vision, discipline, and a profound commitment to national unity and social justice.
“We assemble here in solemn remembrance to honor the life and legacy of a statesman, a patriot, and a servant of the people,” said President Boakai. “This moment is also one of reflection, reconciliation, and national renewal.”
He highlighted President Tolbert’s achievements as a unifier and reformer who championed the cause of the poor, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion. As former Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), Tolbert was also celebrated as a towering figure in African diplomacy.
“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 stated.
While acknowledging the pain of Liberia’s past from political violence to civil war the President stressed the need for collective healing and national purpose. He noted that the memorial was not merely symbolic, but a conscious act to confront historical injustices and reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to truth and reconciliation.
“This memorial, decades after his tragic death, is not simply a ceremonial gesture. It is an act of national conscience,” Boakai emphasized. “Let our shared suffering become the foundation of our shared strength.”
The President extended condolences on behalf of the nation to the Tolbert family, praising their enduring patience and dignity through decades of national silence. He encouraged Liberians to draw inspiration from President Tolbert’s values and use the occasion as a catalyst for peace and progress.
“To all Liberians, this occasion must inspire a renewed sense of patriotism,” Boakai concluded. “Let us reject the forces that divide us. Let us choose peace over vengeance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation.”
The ceremony marks the beginning of a series of commemorative activities that will culminate in the reburial of President Tolbert, whose legacy is now being elevated as part of Liberia’s broader journey toward historical reckoning and national healing.
As Liberia continues to grapple with the ghosts of its past, Monday’s tribute to President William R. Tolbert, Jr. stands as a powerful reminder that honoring history is essential to building a just and peaceful future.
