Dagbayonoh Kiah Nyanfore II, a Liberian writer and former schoolmate of President Joseph Boakai, has made a compelling plea for justice on behalf of Nancy B. Doe, the widow of former President Samuel K. Doe. Nyanfore’s appeal, delivered to the Executive Mansion in February 2025, centers on the Liberian government’s longstanding failure to honor court judgments, both domestic and international, that have awarded Mrs. Doe substantial sums of money rightfully belonging to her late husband’s estate. Nyanfore frames the issue as a matter of human and constitutional rights, emphasizing that Mrs. Doe’s status as a former first lady does not diminish her entitlement to legal protection and redress. He argues that the continued denial of her rights sets a dangerous precedent, potentially jeopardizing the rights of other former and future first ladies and contributing to a climate of injustice in Liberia.
The genesis of Mrs. Doe’s legal battle dates back to the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In 2011, Mrs. Doe initiated legal proceedings to recover $4,947,830 from the Liberian government, representing her late husband’s investment proceeds that had been deposited with the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI). Following the collapse of BCCI during Liberia’s civil war, the funds were transferred to the National Bank of Liberia, which later became the Central Bank of Liberia. Despite the government’s acknowledgement of the funds, the Sirleaf administration obstructed Mrs. Doe’s access to them, even using a portion to pay a government official.
Mrs. Doe’s perseverance led her to the Liberian Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor in 2019, awarding her $5,209,382 plus interest. However, the Sirleaf government failed to comply with the ruling. This prompted Mrs. Doe to seek recourse with the ECOWAS Court in 2016. In 2019, the ECOWAS Court upheld Mrs. Doe’s claim of human rights violations and awarded her $18 million. Despite these legal victories, both the Sirleaf and subsequent George Weah administrations neglected to fulfill the court orders, leaving Mrs. Doe and her children in a protracted state of financial hardship.
Nyanfore contends that Mrs. Doe’s plight transcends a mere legal dispute; it represents a fundamental moral and ethical imperative. He posits that regardless of differing opinions regarding the circumstances of Samuel Doe’s rise to power, Mrs. Doe and her family should not bear the burden of those past events. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations or past associations. He further warns that continued disregard for human and constitutional rights could reignite past grievances and destabilize the country, alluding to Liberia’s history of conflict stemming from unresolved injustices. Nyanfore therefore urges President Boakai to prioritize justice, reconciliation, and unity by ensuring the enforcement of the court rulings in Mrs. Doe’s favor.
In his appeal, Nyanfore draws parallels between Mrs. Doe’s situation and President Boakai’s recent efforts towards establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. He commends the president for this initiative, which signifies a commitment to addressing past injustices and holding perpetrators of economic crimes accountable. Nyanfore argues that by taking action on Mrs. Doe’s case, President Boakai can demonstrate the sincerity of his commitment to justice and reinforce the message that no one is above the law. He suggests that resolving Mrs. Doe’s situation would not only provide her with much-needed financial relief but also contribute to healing the wounds of the past and fostering a more just and equitable society.
Further strengthening his argument, Nyanfore highlights Samuel Doe’s past acts of benevolence, particularly towards prominent figures who later held positions of power. He mentions Doe’s intervention in saving Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from execution after a coup attempt, his appointment of Joseph Boakai as Minister of Agriculture, and his financial support for George Weah’s burgeoning football career, even citing a New York Times article detailing Doe’s role in Weah’s success. However, Nyanfore clarifies that his plea for justice is not contingent on Doe’s past kindnesses but rather on the principle of upholding what is right and just, irrespective of personal relationships or past favors. He emphasizes that ensuring Mrs. Doe receives the compensation rightfully owed to her is a matter of principle and a testament to Liberia’s commitment to the rule of law.
Finally, Nyanfore addresses President Boakai’s recent State of the Nation address, in which the
