Thirty-four years after the gruesome murder of former Liberian President Samuel Kanyon Doe, the echoes of his tragic end continue to reverberate through the nation’s tumultuous history.
Hailing from Doe’s native Grand Gedeh County, tribesmen are now charging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with accountability for the role its military intervention force, ECOMOG, played in the capture and killing of the head of state on September 9, 1990.
The events that unfolded on that fateful day marked a pivotal moment in Liberia’s past, one that derailed the country’s progress for decades and ignited a civil war that claimed the lives of over 250,000 people. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this dark chapter, the cries for justice and reconciliation grow louder.
Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo of the Ghanaian army was in charge of the regional military force, ECOMOG, and for decades has faced accusations of collusion and complicity in Doe’s downfall.
Jacob Debee, the Grand Gedeh County’s Electoral District #3 Representative, echoes the sentiments of many when he demands that ECOWAS and ECOMOG account for their role in the tragedy.
“For us to have true reconciliation, everyone must account for the wrong done to this country,” Debee said, his expression clouded with sorrow.
“ECOWAS, through ECOMOG, must account for their role on that fateful day when the country’s democratically elected president was made to surrender before a rebel group and subsequently murdered along with 73 others.”
The accelerated talks about the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia has reignited hope for those seeking answers and closure. Debee believes that this court will be a crucial platform to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
“This is going to be a sustained fight. ECOWAS must account for its role played in the Liberian civil war, most especially the episode that led to the death of Doe,” the lawmaker said.
“Over 250,000 reported died in these conflicts, and we believe that those people wouldn’t have died if ECOWAS had played the true referee role of peacekeeping.”
The role of ECOMOG and its then-commander, General Arnold Quainoo, remains a central point of contention. Retired Captain George Tarley, a survivor of the September 9th fatal episode, recalls the events with haunting clarity.
“I was a Captain in the army and one of those on the scene that day. But God saved my life among 100 plus officials. But I am still carrying the wounds, gunshot penetrated my leg. And this issue should not be taken lightly, because we didn’t go at the Freeport to loot; we went on national duty,” Tarley recounted.
