–Pres. Boakai apologizes on behalf of the State, as Dr. Jallah calls for action at National Healing and Reconciliation Event
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I
The Minister of Education and Chairperson of the National Reburial Committee, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah has called on Liberians to demonstrate national reconciliation through actions, rather than words.
Speaking Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the national event where Liberia took significant steps toward confronting its history of violence and division, Dr. Jallah averred that “National Reconciliation Demands Action.” Therefore, she wants Liberians to demonstrate true reconciliation through actions, not words.
In furtherance, Dr. Jallah, who chaired the National Reburial Committee, described the ceremonial reburial of former President William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe as “the first critical step in confronting the country’s painful past.”
She said the committee’s work was shaped by deep public sentiment, including one emotional message she read on social media: “You forgot about my father who was killed. You forgot about us.” According to her, that message “helped center the committee’s work and sharpened its resolve to approach the re-burials with empathy and purpose.”
Quoting Ghanaian writer Ama Ata Aidoo, Dr. Jallah said, “The best way to sharpen a knife is not to whet one side of it only,” emphasizing that reconciliation in Liberia requires mutual engagement and inclusive dialogue. She urged Liberians to embrace their diversity, stressing that “from Lofa to Maryland, and Bomi to Grand Gedeh, we are one Liberia.” She concluded with a biblical reflection from 1 Corinthians 12:12, reminding the nation that “we are many parts of one body,” and calling for a collective vow of “Never again.”
Meanwhile, President Boakai issued a public apology on behalf of the Liberian Government to victims and survivors of the country’s civil wars. “We are sorry,” he said, acknowledging that the government had failed to protect its people during the nation’s darkest moments. “The State could have done better but was used as an agency,” he added.
President Boakai reminded the audience that reconciliation must be more than symbolic. “Reconciliation is not an event. It is a mindset, a journey, a shared responsibility,” he stated.
As part of the journey to national healing, the Liberian leader announced three major actions: the revival of the National History Project to create an inclusive narrative of Liberia’s past, the construction of a National Memorial to honor victims, and the preservation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) archives.
President Boakai further recommitted the government to the Strategic Roadmap for National Healing, Peace-building, and Reconciliation, saying, “We should no longer hesitate.” With just five years before the roadmap’s 2030 target, he called on all sectors—government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector—to act swiftly and together.
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Boakai declared, “Peace is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of justice.” He urged Liberians to confront their past honestly, saying, “Today must be our turning point,” and described reconciliation as “Liberia’s last great unfinished business.”
