The Liberian government, under President Joseph N. Boakai, has proposed state burials for both slain President Samuel K. Doe and his predecessor, President William R. Tolbert, in an effort to foster national healing and reconciliation. This initiative has been met with overwhelming support from Celue Doe-Addo, the daughter of the late President Doe. She views this as a significant step towards closing the wounds of the past and reconciling the nation after years of conflict and division. Doe-Addo expressed gratitude to President Boakai for taking this initiative, highlighting the importance of such a gesture in showcasing a positive image of Liberia to the world. She emphasized her willingness to play a significant role in the process, hoping for collective efforts to bring closure to this chapter of Liberian history.
Doe-Addo recently embarked on a peace and reconciliation tour, visiting Nimba County, the home county of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who was responsible for her father’s execution during the Liberian Civil War. The tour also included visits to Grand Gedeh, her father’s ancestral home, and Bomi County, her mother’s homeland. This tour aimed to bridge the divide between communities that were deeply affected by the conflict. Doe-Addo emphasized her commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation, stating she harbors no resentment towards the people of Nimba. During her tour, she interacted with various community groups and traditional leaders, facilitating dialogues aimed at fostering peaceful co-existence.
Doe-Addo revealed that even before returning to Liberia, she maintained positive relationships with members of families perceived to be adversaries of the Doe family, including the Tolberts, Johnsons, and Quiwonkpas, while living in the United States. She recalled how the resurgence of graphic images of her father’s death on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, between 2011 and 2012, had a deeply traumatic impact on her, requiring professional therapy. She underscored the destructive nature of tribalism and the spread of misinformation, which fueled the conflict and led to immense suffering. She expressed hope for a future where Liberians recognize their shared humanity and move beyond the divisions of the past.
Former First Lady Nancy B. Doe has also expressed support for the state burial plans for her late husband. She affirmed the Doe family’s collaboration with President Boakai’s administration to ensure a dignified and respectful reburial. However, she unequivocally rejected any unauthorized involvement in the process, particularly from Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, who had previously attempted to organize a memorial service for President Doe. Madam Doe stressed that the Doe family, comprising herself, her children, and their direct lineage, holds the sole authority over the late president’s remains.
Madam Doe vehemently denounced Senator Pennue’s actions, characterizing them as self-serving and driven by a “sinister agenda.” She emphasized that while Senator Pennue is a nephew of the late president through his sister, this does not grant him any authority over family matters, especially concerning the remains of her late husband. She demanded that Senator Pennue cease his interference and respect the family’s wishes. The statement released by the Doe family reiterated their commitment to working exclusively with the government to finalize the arrangements for President Doe’s reburial, the date of which would be announced officially in due course.
The proposed state burials represent a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey towards national reconciliation. The willingness of both Celue Doe-Addo and Nancy B. Doe to participate in this process, coupled with the commitment of the Boakai administration, signifies a collective desire to heal the wounds of the past. The planned reburials offer an opportunity to acknowledge the complexities of Liberia’s history and to move forward towards a more peaceful and united future. The focus on collaboration and respect, as exemplified by Celue Doe-Addo’s peace and reconciliation tour and the Doe family’s insistence on their authority over the reburial arrangements, highlights the importance of inclusivity and proper protocols in navigating sensitive historical issues. By addressing the past in a dignified and respectful manner, Liberia aims to build a future based on understanding, forgiveness, and a shared commitment to national healing.
