Memories of the Liberian Civil War are still fresh on the minds of many Liberians though the conflict ended more than 15 years ago. Several communities across the country have been erecting memorial parks in recognition of dead relatives who were massacred by brutal rebel factions.
Perpetrators include sons and daughters, some of whom are being rewarded state power by their victims despite the emotional and physical scars they inflicted on them. Some Liberians and the world over have continuously pondered over decision by the predominantly youthful Liberian population to give power to those who jeopardized their early development and put their future at risk.
One group that deems its expedient to give respect to fallen relatives is the Kailahun Citizens Development Association (KCDA). It members recall how 300 love ones and relatives were slaughtered and buried in a mass grave in 2001 by forces loyal to jailed former president Charles Ghankay Taylor.
Project Coordinator, Atty. Sagie F. Kamara, Sr. says the exercise is a joint initiative of both Monrovia and Lofa based relatives and love ones of those massacred. “The project launch is organized by citizens of Kailahun, who are all victims of massacre which took place on June 20, 2011”, Atty. Kamara laments.
According to him, the memorial program takes place on December 24, 2018 in Kailahun town, Lukambeh District, Lofa County. He details that the mass grave contains remains of 300 unarmed civilians, who were tortured and brutally murdered in cold blood by government forces under the leadership of former President Taylor.
“With this project, we also hope to retain an indelible record in the history of Liberia, about the deadly consequences of rebellion, civil unrest and cruelty to human kind”, he emphasized. Attorney Kamara says the program will be graced by stakeholders from the county and human rights organizations. Representative Clarence Massaquoi of District #3 is expected to serve as Chief Launcher of the memorial park.
-Editing by Jonathan Browne
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