President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has emphasized the importance of according dignity and national recognition to past leaders.
Speaking when the family of the late President Samuel K. Doe paid him a courtesy visit, the Liberian leader reaffirmed his Administration’s unwavering commitment to national healing, reconciliation, and unity.
During the visit at his Rehab residence, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. disclosed plans to travel to Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County later this month to attend a historic national ceremony marking the reburial of former President Samuel Kanyon Doe, as well as the funeral and interment of former First Lady Nancy Bohn Doe, who recently passed away in Monrovia.
He further encouraged Liberians to use such solemn occasions to confront past divisions and seek enduring solutions for peace and cohesion in the country.
“This moment is not just about honoring the lives and service of two prominent Liberians,” the President stated, adding “It is about taking meaningful steps toward healing the deep wounds of our past, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening the bonds of national unity.”
According to the Liberian leader, the upcoming ceremonies will mark a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey toward national reconciliation and historical reckoning.
Speaking on behalf of the Doe’s family, Ms. Veronica Mamie Doe, daughter of the late President and First Lady, expressed the family’s heartfelt gratitude to President Boakai for his compassion, support, and leadership during their time of mourning.
She briefed the President on ongoing arrangements for the funeral, scheduled to take place in late June 2025 in Zwedru.
Ms. Doe was accompanied by her brother, Mr. Fallah Varney Doe, and their uncle, former Grand Gedeh County Senator and former President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Isaac W. Nyenabo.
President Boakai, who served as Minister of Agriculture during the Doe’s Administration in the 1980s, reflected warmly on his personal and professional experiences with the late President and First Lady.
As a gesture of solidarity, the President donated five cows to support the upcoming ceremonies in Zwedru.
Among other things, The initiative is in line with the President’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address on January 27, 2025, in which he committed to ensuring dignified reburials for former Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel K. Doe.
It can be recalled On February 19, 2025, the President constituted a National Committee for the Reburial of Former Presidents, chaired by Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, who continues to work closely with the Doe and Tolbert families in preparation for the events.
Former President Samuel K. Doe came to power on April 12, 1980, following a military coup.
He led Liberia until September 1990, when he was captured and killed by rebel forces of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) during the height of the country’s civil war.
