LUANDA, Angola – The Republic of Angola has posthumously honored former Liberian President William Richard Tolbert Jr. with the Commemorative Medal of the fiftieth Anniversary of Nationwide Independence, recognizing his pivotal function in championing African liberation and self-determination throughout his tenure.
The excellence was conveyed by the Angolan Embassy in Abidjan to the Embassy of Liberia. Angola’s President, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, chosen President Tolbert for the Class of Honour, putting him amongst a distinguished group of African leaders whose solidarity and advocacy helped pave the way in which for Angola’s independence.
Additionally honored was former Nigerian Head of State Normal Murtala Muhammed, one other outspoken supporter of African freedom actions.
Celebrating a Legacy of Pan-African Management
President Tolbert served as Liberia’s chief at a time when the nation performed a central function in supporting African independence actions. His chairmanship of the Group of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union, was marked by outspoken commitments to ending colonial rule and strengthening African unity.
Liberia’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Willye Mai Tolbert-King, daughter of the late President, expressed profound gratitude for Angola’s recognition.
“We’re deeply honored that Angola remembers and acknowledges our father’s contributions to the continent’s freedom and progress,” she mentioned. “This remembrance, practically half a century later, is each humbling and uplifting for our household.”
A President Remembered for Imaginative and prescient and Service
William R. Tolbert Jr., born Might 13, 1913 in Bentol, led Liberia by a interval of progress and financial enlargement. Having served as Vice President for 19 years below President William V. S. Tubman, he assumed the presidency in 1971 and pursued an agenda centered
on nationwide improvement, social reform, and regional cooperation.
Extensively revered throughout Africa for his diplomacy and management throughout the OAU, President Tolbert labored to strengthen ties amongst African states and supported liberation actions, together with Angola’s lengthy battle for independence.
Historic Context
Whereas President Tolbert’s life was tragically reduce quick throughout the navy coup of April 12, 1980, the dignity bestowed by Angola emphasizes not the circumstances of his demise, however the continental impression of his management, rules, and unwavering dedication to a united and free Africa.
Current Memorial Efforts
Earlier this yr, on July 1, Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai presided over a nationwide ceremony marking the symbolic reburial of President Tolbert and 13 officers who misplaced their lives throughout the 1980 coup. The brand new mausoleum on the Liberian Baptist Theological Seminary in Paynesville stands as a testomony to nationwide therapeutic, remembrance, and the enduring legacy of the Tolbert administration.
A Well timed Recognition
As Angola marks 50 years of independence, the dignity prolonged to President Tolbert serves as a robust reminder of Liberia’s historic function in African freedom actions and the significant alliances solid throughout the continent. For the Tolbert household, the popularity is a second of dignity, remembrance, and reaffirmation of the values he stood for.
