Monrovia, May 20, 2024 – After enduring 44 years of unanswered questions and unresolved grief, the family of slain Liberian President William R. Tolbert, Jr., is now embarking on a journey to finally lay him to rest with the dignity he deserves. Plans are underway to obtain permits for the exhumation of his remains, along with those of 13 other officials who fell victim to the April 12, 1980 coup.
Dr. Richard V. Tolbert, son of the late President Tolbert, has disclosed that the family, along with relatives of the other deceased officials, is in the process of securing the necessary permits to exhume their remains from a mass grave at Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street. The aim is to relocate them to a new tomb at the Baptist Seminary.
“The horrific events of April 12, 1980, left scars that have haunted our families for over four decades,” Dr. Tolbert expressed. “Now, with careful planning and coordination, we are taking steps to honor the memories of our fathers and ensure they receive a proper burial.”
The proposed relocation, expected to take place early next year, signifies a significant milestone in the long-standing quest for closure. “Every time we gather to commemorate the untimely passing of these great statesmen, we are filled with both solemn remembrance and hopeful anticipation for the future,” Dr. Tolbert remarked.
Recalling the tragic circumstances surrounding his relative’s demise, Dr. Tolbert recounted the brutal execution of President Tolbert and Senator Frank E. Tolbert at South Beach, behind the Barclay Training Center Military Barracks.
During the memorial service held earlier this year, Dr. Tolbert extended gratitude to the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention and the Board of the Liberia Baptist Seminary for their cooperation in granting the family’s request. He also acknowledged the establishment of the April 22 Memorial group, which played a pivotal role in facilitating discussions with Dr. Momolu Massaquoi, president of the Baptist Seminary.
“Our purpose here is not to dwell in bitterness but to honor the legacy of our loved ones,” Dr. Tolbert emphasized. “Their sacrifice and dedication to Liberia will forever be remembered.”
In a heartfelt plea, the families of the deceased government officials appealed to the goodwill of Liberians, Baptists worldwide, and regional bodies such as ECOWAS, the Mano River Union states, and the African Union, to support their endeavor.
The tragic events of April 12, 1980, marked a dark chapter in Liberian history, with the coup d’état leading to the overthrow of President Tolbert’s government amidst allegations of widespread corruption. The subsequent rise of Master Sergeant Samuel Kanyon Doe to power ushered in a tumultuous era, marred by further violence and instability.
