Talkshow host Diakite is dead

One of Liberia’s popular talk show hosts is dead. Mr. Mamadee Diakite, Presenter of the Prime Morning Drive and Manager of Prime Communications died early Tuesday, 30 August at the privately-operated S. D. Cooper Hospital in Monrovia following a brief illness.

He was popularly known for his slogans, “Liberia is getting better” and “Bringing sense to the discourse” while on the live broadcast. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led several government officials yesterday to the home of the falling journalist and sympathized with family members. Several local journalists led by the Press Union of Liberia also visited the home and spent some time with the bereaved family.

Diakite, who was also an attorney-at law, dedicated his life to serving the public by raising the issues that matter on his platform and inviting the relevant officials within and out of government to provide explanations.

He was often branded as collaborating with the government mainly by those who could not withstand his firebrand style of interview, playing the devil’s advocate to obtain deep-probing answers. 

Diakite, who is Muslim, is expected to be buried today. His burial has been delayed due to the late arrival of his mother, whom, according to family sources, came from Guinea to bid her son farewell. 

Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has announced a memorial service this Friday in Monrovia in honor of the fallen Liberian broadcaster. The late Diakite worked for several electronic media houses in Monrovia, including the former DC 101, a privately owned commercial station, and them moved to the Renaissance Communications, Incorporated, which conglomerates Truth FM 91.6 and Real Television Channel 7 where he rose to prominence and eventually Prime FM, which he was instrumental in establishing and headed as General Manager up to his sudden demise.

Meanwhile, the opposition party Alternative National Congress or ANC says it deeply regrets the untimely death of Mamadee, terming him a patriot, true champion of free speech and exceptional media practitioner. 

“In my interaction with Mamadee, I could not help but be inspired by his bright outlook for our country,” lamented the political leader of the ANC, Alexander Cummings.  The party noted that his passing is a loss to the nation and blunt reminder that mankind time on earth matters.

-Editing by Jonathan Browne