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ADNews-Monrovia: The Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS) and the April 22 Memorial Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to secure land for the reburial of former Liberian President William R. Tolbert Jr. and thirteen of his officials, who were executed during the 1980 coup d’état.
The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the LBTS campus along the Roberts International Airport Highway, marking a significant step in the effort to honor the memory of those killed in the aftermath of the 1980 coup. President Tolbert, who founded the seminary, and his government officials’ brutal executions shocked not only Liberia but the world at large.
The MOU formalizes the commitment between LBTS and the April 22 Memorial Group, symbolizing a shared desire for peace, closure, and renewed unity for Liberia.
In his remarks, Deacon Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Chairman of the LBTS Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of the agreement. He reflected on the long-lasting impact of the tragic events, stating, “Today’s signing is not just about securing a burial site, it is about a commitment to healing and reconciliation after forty-five years of grief and suffering for the families of those lost.”
Kemayah paid tribute to the victims and their families, many of whom were present at the ceremony. “Your strength and resilience in such profound grief inspire us all. It is our hope that today brings a measure of closure to your enduring sorrow,” he said, urging those in attendance to stand in honor of the victims.
Family members of the victims, including descendants of President Tolbert and his executed officials, were present at the event.
Alfrieda Stewart Tamba, former Director General of the Liberia Revenue Authority and a representative of the April 22 Memorial Group, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership with LBTS. Tamba described the signing as the realization of a 45-year struggle for justice and remembrance, stating, “This is a historic milestone in our journey, and we give thanks for the unwavering support from the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary and its leadership.”
Madam Tamba also acknowledged key figures who helped secure the eight poles marking the site of the executions, thanking them for their cooperation in this important process.
The new burial site is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in time for the memorial service scheduled for July 1, 2025.
Madam Mai Bright Urey, a prominent member of the Memorial Group, explained that the site would not only serve as a final resting place for the victims but also as a memorial and research center to educate future generations about this dark chapter in Liberia’s history.
“This site will ensure that the memory of those who were brutally killed will live on,” Urey stated, emphasizing that the project is a step toward national reconciliation. She expressed hope that it would foster healing for both the families and the nation as a whole.
The ceremony concluded with a tour of the site, where construction of the memorial and burial grounds is already underway.
As Liberia continues to grapple with its painful history, this act of remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue, respect, and commitment to healing for all Liberians.
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