Published: April 28, 2025
MONROVIA — Former Foreign Minister Olubanke King-Akerele has sharply criticized the Liberian government for what she described as its gross failure to organize a major program commemorating the April 12, 1980, coup d’état.
On that day, 17 enlisted men of the Armed Forces of Liberia, led by Master Sgt. Samuel Kanyon Doe, overthrew the government of President William R. Tolbert Jr., killing him inside the Executive Mansion. Shortly after, 13 senior officials of the Tolbert administration, mostly Cabinet ministers, were arrested, tried by a military tribunal, and publicly executed by firing squad on the beach near the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.
The coup — driven by widespread poverty, economic hardship among indigenous Liberians, and high levels of corruption and inequality — ended 133 years of political dominance by the Americo-Liberian elite, descendants of freed African American slaves who founded Liberia in the 19th century.
Given the historical significance of the event, King-Akerele, speaking in an emotional and passionate tone, condemned the government’s failure to formally recognize April 12, 2025. She expressed her disappointment during a reflective symposium commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
The event brought together Rwandans living in Liberia, Liberian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups, students, and international partners under the theme: “Remember, Unite, Renew.” The commemoration served both as a moment of remembrance and a rallying call against hate, division, and impunity — forces that, according to speakers, continue to threaten Liberia’s fragile peace.
In her remarks, King-Akerele praised the Rwandan community for their commitment to commemorating April 15 — the day marking the end of the genocide against the Tutsi. She then turned her attention to Liberia’s own failings.
“What is wrong with us? What kind of people are we?” she asked, visibly frustrated. “April 12 came and passed with no government recognition program. Nothing.”
She challenged both the government and the citizens to reflect on their sense of patriotism and the importance of honoring significant historical events.
“April 12 — a critical day — and there was nothing,” she emphasized. “I’m sorry, but we’ve got to do better if we are serious. Come on Liberia, come on.”
Drawing a parallel, she lauded Rwanda’s remarkable progress since its tragedy and warned that Liberia would continue to struggle unless it honors its own history and roots.
“It’s not going to happen for Liberia if we fail to do the right thing and respect our roots,” she stressed.
King-Akerele also recalled Liberia’s critical role in supporting Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery, particularly during the presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, when she served as foreign minister. She noted her multiple visits to Rwanda aimed at fostering peace and stability.
She further urged young Liberians to remain courageous, focused, and determined in their pursuit of a better future, emphasizing that meaningful progress demands resilience and perseverance.
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