By: Josephus Moses Gray
Monrovia, Liberia: The gross human right violations including, decapitation, mutilation, massacres, rape, forced labor and abuses that occasioned the nation’s 14-year bloody and devastating war have now come under review, with victims making startling revelations and pointing accusing figures at perpetrators of the war.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established by an act of the National Legislature in 2005 to conduct hearings in cases of human rights violation extending as far back as 1979, is to bring about national reconciliation, cure the broken wounds and enhance the reconciliation process. The commission has begun to actualize its works, with victims of the war taking the stands in public to recount their ordeals and identify the perpetrators.
The TRC in essence is meant to promote peace, security unity and reconciliation amongst the people of Liberia, and to deal with root causes of the armed conflict that engulfed the nation, resulting in gross violation of human rights between 1979 and 2003. The TRC was established by an Act of Legislature passed in June 2005 pursuant to basic provisions in the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). At present, it has received more than five thousand complaints filed to it by organizations and individuals.
To do its works, the TRC on Tuesday resume public hearing into abuses and gross human right violations with victims making their allegations and revelations, but the question that arises is can the TRC curb impunity and at the same time reconcile the people while other are wondering as to who are the victims and players and what actually happens during the 14 years of boldly war?
But journalist Gray looks beyond the horizon, it compiles bid and pieces from a group of Liberians who are advocating that truth and reconciliation as instruments for coming to terms with past massive human rights abuses offer little help when the crimes committed are that of genocide.
Some of the pieces under the title ARCHIVES OF THE WICKED, highlighted some of the heinous crimes, and other massive human rights violations perpetrated against the people of Liberia are shocking and grave, as the report identified key players and victims of the war.
Highlight of the civil war
Murder in Gbarnga, Bong County on November 28, 1997 as reported by JPC investigation/The News Newspaper, December 8-9, 1997, Vol. 8 # 103: An opposition politician and former Deputy Speaker of the TLA, Samuel Saye Doke, his wife Janet, his sister Serena and nephew Emmanuel Voker were arrested at a security checkpoint in Gbarnga while in route to Sanniquellie, Nimba County to attend a welding.
It was alleged that the SSS Director, Benjamin Yeaten ordered their arrest. Following their arrest, Mr. Dokie was brought to Monrovia for investigation and subsequently take back to Gbarnga. Three days later, the burnt bodies of the Dokies, the government said it never ordered the arrest of Mr. Dokie.
The SSS Director, Benjamin Yeaten, however, admitted ordering Mr. Dokie’s arrest, but not his murder. Yeaten was temporarily relived of his post to assist in the investigation. The court for lack of evidence acquitted two security personnel Richard Saydee and Kennday Fineboy, who had been named as prime suspects.
Massacre in Cow Field, Duport Road, Montserrado County on December 15, 1944 reported by the News Newspaper on December 19, 1994 Vol. 5 # 151: About 48 persons (civilians were massacred by Paul Vaye, Sam Lartee and other soldiers of NPFL, while they were asleep at their home. Cow Field, Duport Road in the Paynesville area. The bodies were buried in a mass grave in the Palm Grove Cemetery onCenter Street.
Massacre at Carter Camp, in Margibi County on June 6/7, 1993 as established by the Wako commission, the AFL/Black slaughtered close to 600 men, women and children in cold blood from 0100hrs to 0300hrs. . The victims are said to be buried on the outskirts of the camp.
Summary execution in Gbarnga, Bong County on May 11, 1993: Saar Gbollie allegedly executed 17 persons in the Gbarnga MP cell while serving as deputy MP Commander for the Executive Mansion Presidential Guard Force (EMPPGF). The victims were arrested in Lofa on suspicion of being ULIMO fighters.
Summary Execution at Horton’s Farm, Kakata, Margibi County in October 1992: Martina Johnson, NPFL artillery commander ordered the execution of 23 person arrested in Bong Mines as suspected fighters of ULIMO.
Massacre in firestone, Margibi County on December 26, 1992: Joseph Zackor, alias “Gen. Zack”, Nixon Gayor, Francis Duanna and men assigned with them massacred 35 persons at the Firestone Plantations, division No. 31 while escaping the ULIMO incursion in Kakata.
Massacre in Voinjama, Lofa County on January 2, 1993 18 persons were executed in Voinjama. The blood of the victims was drained in a white bucket for use best known to him.
Massacre in Ganta, Nimba County in August 1993: Matthew Cheplay, commander of “Wild Geese” and his men killed 21 persons in Ganta while in route to Sinoe and wanted to loot fuel from a trader. This incident claimed the lives of William Gensee, the wife, and three children of Samuel Luogon.
Massacre at LAC, Grand Bassa County on August 19,1993: Gen. Coo coo Dennis killed 26 persons in LAC when they were accused of being supporters of LPC.
12. Massacre in Greenville, Sinoe County in 1993 reported by Mr. David Swen (acting hospital administrator)/ The National Newspaper December 19, 1996 Vol. #62: More than 100 humans skeletons were discovered at the Francis J. Grant Hospital in Greenville, Sinoe County.
According to Mr. David Swen, the acting hospital administrator at the time, the skeletons were of people taken captive by LPC in 1993. They were discovered when the hospital staff went in to access their facilities after ECOMOG was deployed in 1996.
Massacre in Vahun, Lofa County in 1993 reported by the Media: Six Senegalese ECOMOG soldiers were murdered by Oliver Varnie, Timothy Mulbah and Joe Doe in Vahun on orders of Charles Taylor and his then defense Minister J. Thomas Wuworyu following ECOMOG’s deployment in his controlled areas.
Their bodies were dumped in a valley in Vahun and NPFL authorities refused to turn the bodies over to the ECOMOG High Command. It was based on persistent international pressure that the bodies of the six Senegalese were turned over to the ECOMOG High Command. Their bodies were flown to Senegal for proper burial.
Massacre in Neeswen Town, Rivercess County on January 15, 1994 reported by the Daily News Newspaper Vol. 3 # 24: The NPFL fighters killed 32 persons after they were accused of being supporters of the LPC. The fighters were said to have entered the town at about 3:00am and began slaughtering occupants of houses marked by the LPC.
Massacre in Kpakolokuya Town, Bong County in February 1994: Siafa Normah ordered the execution of 15 men in Kpakolokuya Town, Bong County during his term as army chief of staff of the NPFL. Abel Normah and Wogbagii implemented the order.
Massacre in Gbarnga, Bong County in May 1994: Andrew Koah, Alosius Sackie, Gaye Getteh, Saturday Tuah, J.J. Doeh, and Marcus Seebo tied 19 men in a Tarpolin and hung them over a pile of fire until they died. The culprits acted on the orders f Cassius Jacobs. Summary Execution in Zorzor, Lofa County in 1994: General Apolo J. Swen, front line commander for ULIMO, murdered 69 POWs of NPFL in Lofa.
Massacre in Moulton Corner, Brewersville, Montserrado County on June 19, 1994 as reported by Charles Bryant, Benjamin Brown, Marilyn Wright/ the Inquirer Newspaper June 23, 1994 Vol. 4 # 111: Nine persons, including an entire family, were slaughtered in the areas that was controlled by Mandingo fighters who recaptured the area from the Krahn fighters.
Massacre in Kpoloppai, Bong County in September 1994 as reported by JPC Gbarnga Coordinator: LPC massacred about 300 persons “allegedly” when they fled the fighting in Gbarnga between ULIMO – K and NPFL.
Massacre at Phebe, Bong County in September 1994 as reported by residents of the area: LPC allegedly massacred over 100 persons who were hospitalized and or seeking shelter at thePhebe Hospital after fleeing fighting between ULIMO –K and NPFL. Massacre in Duoh, Nimba County in October 1994: Chinese Japper, a then commander under Coo coo Dennis, murdered 86 persons in Duoh, while retreating from Bassa with about 1700 fighters escaping from LPC.
Murder in Beilah, Bong county in October 1994: On the orders of Saturday Tuah of the NPFL, Junior Vaye dumped the wife and children of James Glasco in the St. John River in Beilah during the fall of Gbarnga to ULIMO.
Massacre inNimba County in November 1994: A group of NPFL soldiers led by Dominic Sayeh and Bleh Vah killed 176 persons at the Send in Crossing Point in Nimba County. The victims were of the Bassa ethnic group. Massacre in Ganta Nimba County on November 11, 1994: General Liberty killed 21 unarmed boys in Ganta during the fall of Gbarnga. He accused them of being disguised ULIMO fighters.
Murder in Grand Kru County in January 1995 as reported by Isaiah Momboe Sackor, Niffu Borta Community Development Association/ The Inquirer Newspaper, January 3, 1995 Vol. 4 # 241: The Liberian Peace Council fighters killed 18 citizens. Massacre in Tappita, Nimba County on September 27, 1995 reported by JPC: Gen. Jack the Rebel acting upon the orders of Charles G. Taylor killed 105 persons in Tappita. These people were killed because they refused to give up their only sawmill in their town.
Massacre in Bokomu District, Fassama Town, Lofa County in March 1996 as reported by an escapee/Monrovia Daily News Vol. 3 # 61: Several person lost their lives in six villages and towns by fighters of ULIMO. The commanders Maj. A.C. Dorley held separate meetings in the area at which time he accused the villages of being informants for the Lofa Defense Force (LDF) and retreating remnants of NPFL.
Massacre in Zuanna Town/Bloun Town, Roycesville,Bomi County on April 18, 1996 as reported by several residents including the block leader/The News Newspaper, December 11, 1996 Vol. # 47: Twelve persons were killed when a group of fighters stormed the area and burned down the displaced camp and Karmo Town.
Mass Grave found at Barclay Training Center (BTC) Beach, Central Monrovia, Montserrado County in August 1996 as reported by Chief Pathologist, Dr. Isaac Moss/ The National Chronicle, August 29-30, 1996 Vol. 1 #31: A team of medical doctors and health practitioners involved in the exhuming and reburying of dead bodies revealed that over 500 bodies were exhumed at the BTC beach and reburied at the Center Street Cemetery. Some of the people died from bullets or blunt objects while some were beheaded.
Mass Grave at Matadi Estate, Airfield and Sinkor in August 1996 as reported by Chief Pathologist, Dr. Isaac Moss/ The National Chronicle, August 29-30, 1996 Vol. 1 #31: Mass grave were discovered in these areas by a team of medical doctors.
Massacre in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County on March 28, 1996 as reported by UN Relief workers/ The Inquirer Vol. 5 # 75; Daily News Vol. 5 #62; and The News Vol. 7 # 17: According to a UN press release issued by the Special Representative of the Secretary General Amb. Anthony B. Nyakyi, about 17 civilians were killed and many were injured while about 1000 civilians escaped the bloodbath. But other reports put the number at 25 to 48.
More Killing in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County in September 1996 as reported by fleeing residents/The Inquirer Newspaper October 4, 1996 Vol. 5 # 75: Unidentified fighters reportedly killed
nine prominent citizens of Robertsport. The fighters claimed that their victims gave money to another armed group to attack their positions.
Gruesome Killings in Seyon Town Bushrod Island in October 1996 as reported by residents of Seyon Town/The News Newspaper October 18, 1996 Vol. 7 # 24: Three ex-combatants who had lured the market women from the Freeport of Monrovia where they had gone to buy rice and bulgur wheat slaughtered the two women; Doris Dekeh and Louis (surname not known). The three after they had killed the women, sprinkled kerosene on their remains, covered them with tires and set them ablaze. LD $2500 was taken from them.
Massacre in Zuanna Town Bloun, Royesville, Bomi County on December 7, 1996 as reported by the News Newspaper December 11, 1996 Vol. 7 # 47: Eight persons were killed. ULIMO-J is accused of committing the act.
Their bodies are said to be buried around a place called Barbecue Corner on the Gbarnga-Kokoy Road Murder at Freeport, Bushrod Island, Monrovia on December 16,1997 as reported by eyewitnesses: Daniel Nyankan, a businessman was found dead around the Freeport of Monrovia with bruises all over his body. His death sparked off controversy, with the police authorities accusing ECOMOG soldiers of killing Nyankan. Family sources, however, quoted eyewitnesses as saying that state security forces killed Nyankan after he had been severely flogged.
Mass Grave in Zorzor, Lofa County in April 1998 as reported by Zorzor citizen youth leader George/ The Heritage, April 28-30, 1998 Vol. 2 #53: NPFL fighters killed several people including pregnant women. The youth leader (George) claimed that the victims’ hands and legs were tied before they were buried alive in shallow, thin graves of about three to four feet deep.
Murder in Paynesville, Montserrado County on June 28, 1998: Nowai Flomo, a market woman, disappeared from her residence in Kpelle Town, Paynesville. She was allegedly abducted from her house at about 11:00am by nine officers of the SSS, led by one David Daniel, who had gone to visit Ms. Gormie Jartu, a housemate of Ms. Flomo. The SSS officers allegedly murdered her after an exchange of words over the manner in which the security personnel drove in the yard. Her corpse has not been found. The police later released all those arrested in connection with the disappearance for what the police termed “lack of evidence”.
Massacre on Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia on September 18, 1998 as reported by resident in the Camp Johnson Road Area: State Security forces attacked Gen. Roosevelt Johnson, a former warring faction leader, on Camp Johnson Road. The government within 24 hours gave three different reasons for the invasion, which eyewitness accounts say, claimed the lives of over 100 persons. The government put the casualty figures at 53.
The government first said that its security forces went to evict illegal occupants in private houses when they came under attack. Then, State Security Officials alleged that they were on patrol in the Camp Johnson Road area when they came under attack from supporters of Gen. Johnson.
Massacre at the Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia on September 19, 1998 reported by National Human Rights Commission’s Report published October 13, 1998: On September 18 th, President Taylor ordered the eviction of Mr. Roosevelt Johnson from his residence.
Several persons of the Krahn ethnic tribe ran into the Episcopal Church. SSU allegedly executed about 1500 persons, mostly young men at dawn of September 19, 1998. Col. Junior Fania, Leo Jebo, Saa Gbollie, Joe Tuah, General Eric Sway, and Arthur saah, Benedict Mentee, spearheaded this operation.
Massacre on Schiefflin Highway on September 19, 1998: Mark Guahn murdered 13 persons of the Krahn ethnic group on Schiefflin Highway. They were arrested in Monrovia on charges of being supporters of Gen. Roosevelt Johnson. Massacre in Nekebozu, Lofa County on August 10, 1999 as reported by UL student hailing from Quardu-Gboni Mandingo Chiefdom/ the New Democrat Newspaper: Militia men in Nekabozu killed about 25 members of Quardu-Gboni citizens
Massacre in Nikagabozu, Lofa County on September 2, 1999 as reported by UL student hailing from Quardu-Gboni Mandingo Chiefdom/ the New democrat Newspaper, Vol. 4 # 104/ The Inquirer Newspaper Vol. 8 # 156: Members of the AFL allegedly massacred about 100 persons in Nikagabozu. This was believed to be a reprisal of a recent massacre of elders and Chiefs of Liewalzo by dissident forces (LURD), when they entered Liberia on August 11, 1999. The students blamed the massacre squarely at the feet of Defense Minister, Daniel Chea as a result of an interview he granted the BBC Journalist Robin White.
Murder at ELWA junction, Paynesville on September 28, 1999 Eyewitness accounts: Henrique Cassell, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration and brother-in-law of President Taylor shot and killed Papa George, a taxi driver, at the Golf Filling station at the ELWA junction in Paynesville. Cassell accused Papa George of overtaking his car. The defenseless taxi driver went on his knees and pleaded for mercy but to no avail. Cassell then pulled out his pistol and fired at George while he was begging for mercy. Cassell was charged with murder, found guilty and sentence to imprisonment. President Taylor granted him general amnesty last year.
Massacre in Swen, Bomi County on October 10, 1999: Siafa Norman massacred about 20 civilians who were accused of being LURD supporters in Swen Mechan District, Bomi County.
Massacre in Bawon Town, Zorzor District, Lofa County in January 2000 as reported by UL students from Quardu-Gboni Mandingo Chiefdom/New Democrat Newspaper, February 4-7, 2000 Vol. 6 #145: Armed militiamen massacred 18 persons of the Mandingo ethnic group in Lofa County. Government announced an investigation into the extra-judicial killings, but nothing was heard beyond the announcement.
Massacre in Gbarnga, Bong County in January 2000: Melvin Sobani ordered the execution of 26 unarmed civilians in Gbar, Bomi County. They were accused of being supporters of LURD.
Summary Execution in gbatala Base, Bong County in 2000: Chucky Taylor murdered more than 100 persons at the Gbatala ATU Training Base. Some of the victims were trainees charged with failure to follow instruction (FFI)
Summary Execution in Voinjama, Lofa County in May 2000: Mr. Joe Gbala ordered the execution of 42 captives in Voinjama. They were considered GOL soldiers who had surrender in a battle between John Town and Zorzor. Others were brought from Foyah
Summary Execution in Kornia, Lofa County in March 2001: Momo Jibba ordered the execution of 14 persons in Kornia, Lofa County when GOL recaptured the town from LURD. He also planned and executed the death of François Massaquoi, the then Youth and Sports Minister.
Massacre in Saclepea, Nimba County in May 2001: Daniel Gweh, Tony Gonyor, etc. murdered 7 Mandingos and burnt down their houses. Massacre in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County on June 9, 2002: Ofourie Jay alias “Iron Jacket” massacred 110 young men and women in Bopolu, Gbarpolu county. They were accused of being sympathizers of Government of Liberia.
Massacre in Marhair River Bridge, Tubmanburg, Bomi County on July 20, 2002 as reported by two of the survivors: About 175 persons were massacred allegedly on the orders of Gen. Benjamin Yeaten. They claimed that the people were sympathizers of LURD.
Summary Execution in Congo Town Monrovia on September 18, 2002: Isaac Gono of the ATU, Chief Driver of Charles Taylor, Jr. “Chucky”, was beaten to death on the morning of September 18, 2002 for allegedly hitting a dog with Chucky’s car.
Incursion into Ivory Coast on October 21, 2002: Charles Taylor mandated Benjamin Yeaten Joe Tuah, Liaison officer, Edward T. Zamay, Training Officer, Walloe, death squad commander, Osebo Demain, logistics officer, and Matthew Karn, artillery commander to cross into Ivory Coast to assist felix Doe, leader of the Western Rebel, as mercenaries
Massacre in Toe’s Town, Grand Gedeh County on February 28, 2003 as reported by JPC Monitor/The Inquirer Newspaper, March 17, 2003 Vol. 13 #39/ The News Newspaper, March 17, 2003 Vol. 14 #222: General Gbor Vaye of the GOL slaughtered three employees of the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) namely: Kara Lund, a Norwegian, Arty. Emmanuel Sharply, a Liberian and Country Director, and driver Muse Keita, another Liberian were massacred while in route to Maryland County to pay their employees. The perpetrators were never brought to justice
Murder in Paynesville, Montserrado County on June 4, 2003 as reported by the deceased wives and relatives: The Deputy Ministers for National Security and Public Works, John Yormie and Isaac Vaye were arrested on the night of June 4, 2003 by a group of armed men under the command of one “Bababa” of the SSS which it was alleged he was acting on the orders of Gen. Benjamin Yeaten. They were allegedly brought to Monrovia, interrogated and later driven back on the Gbarnga-Ganta highway (CNC Logging Company area) and later killed. Their bodies were allegedly dropped on the train track by a container in the Ganta area. Their wives are demanding their bodies to give them a befitting burial
.Massacre in Gbarn, Nimba County on May 26, 2003: Adolphus Sampson, special bodyguard to Gen. Benjamin Yeaten murdered a family of five at the railroad bridge near Gbarn, Nimba County upon seeing then with $75,000LD, and two pieces of diamonds
Massacre in Nimba County on May 6, 2003: Adolphus Sampson, Gola Red, Alphonso, Nyanay, Marcus and High-grade on the orders of Gen. Yeaten massacred Samuel Bokarie, his wife, mother and two children in Nimba County. Francis Menwon and Peter Sakpeideh witnessed it.
Summary Execution at Lofa Bridge on May 2003: General Sekou Kromah and his men murdered 24 persons on Lofa Bridge. The victims were arrested in the Tubmanburg area and charged with reconnoitering. Summary Execution in Monrovia on June 9, 2003: Charles Taylor, Jr. “Chucky” murdered 18 persons at the Stockton Creek Bridge. Gen. Roland Duo men arrested these people as POW of LURD.
Summary execution in Monrovia in June-July 2003: Lomax, artillery crew commander of Wild Geese, Marcus High Grade, bodyguard to Yeaten and Nyan murdered 42 persons on the Johnson Street Bridge for looting. The victims were accused but never tried.
Massacre in Combat Camp in July 2003: Marcus High Grade and Gola-Red acting on instruction of Gen. Yeaten transported 78 wounded soldiers from Monrovia to Combat Camp, under pretense of going to pay them and killed them. The victims were demanding to be paid by Charles Taylor. Summary Execution in Klay, Bomi County in July 2003: General Abbas of LURD murdered 26 persons in Klay. The victims were arrested on Bushrod Island as POW of GOL.
Massacre at Tubman Farm, Bong County on September 8-20, 2003: Zeezah Mazah, special bodyguard to Benjamin Yeaten fed Mr. Charles Taylor’s lions with 26 living persons on his farm in Maleki, Bong County. This was a prescribed punishment for those who committed crimes.
Summary Execution Po-River, Bomi County on October 11-26, 2003: General Wasue Donzo of the LURD ordered the execution of over 26 persons on the Po-River Bridge, Tubmanburg Highway and dumped some of their bodies in the Po-River. 1994 Sasstown massacre: in 1994, NPFL rebels commandeered by General Paul Doe and William Toe ,led armed fighters to kill more than 1,000 innocent civilians Bomi County.
1994, September 12 massacre at Gedebo Wateka. On that date and place, General Possey Garteh and others killed Professor Samuel B. Martins and several other in cold blood. 1n 1993, ULIMO J rebels under its high command massacred over 100 persons in Gbesseh, Grand Cape mount County.
In 1993, , Sengalese carried out the following massacres: more than 30 innocent civilians in Jenneh Wenay; more than 50 persons were killed in Tewor district and most hearts dugged and eaten; more than 75 innocent persons were in Sanjanamalor, Grand Cape mount; killed more than 64 innocent persons in Meekor,Grand cape mount County. In 2003, more than 500 innocent persons were slaughtered by H Dan Morias and others in Glawlo, River Gee County.
Meanwhile, the first of three witnesses who took the stand accused the renowned Liberian musical vocalist, Michael David, alias “Sundaygar Dearboy” of committing untold atrocities leading to the death of his sister in his home town, Gardour, Grand Bassa County.
The first witness, David Saiware, to the astonishment of all in the Pavilion, revealed that singer Sundaygar Dearboy was one of the commanders of the now defunct National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NDPL) rebel groups that ordered 25 men to gang rape his 16-year old sister Rita who later died.
Witness Saiware, who was 10 years old at the time, said the incident took place in late December 1994, following the recapture of the area from forces of the defunct Liberia Peace Council (LPC).He said because of the incident, he had to abandon school. He later moved to another relative.
He alleged that Sundaygar Dearboy was an NPFL Commander who hated odd numbers. “When ever he counts a group and there is an odd number, he will kill one person to make the number even. For example, if he counts a group and the last person is an odd number, that person will die whether a woman or man,” little David told the public hearing.
He admitted that he feared coming to testify because of the popularity of the singer Sundaygar Dearboy because as a little boy, Sundaygar Dearboy could do anything to him. “I can say the man is a singer now and is popular. I didn’t want to give this statement but the death of my sister was hurting me; that’s why I made the statement,” David said; adding, “When the people came last night I refused to come today because the man who I will be testifying against is in Monrovia and it’s where you all are carrying me. He’s well known.
Two other witnesses of the town, Emmanuel Jimmy and Paul Flomo accused Sundaygar Dearboy wanton destruction and rape during the period of the war.
Emmanuel Jimmy accused the musician of even raping his daughter Beamondyu, who at the time was 13 years old, and now resides in Harbel, Firestone; while Paul Flomo accused Sundaygar Dearboy of being the man behind the burning down of some 14 huts in Gardour Town, Grand Bassa County.
Mr. Flomo accused Sundaygar Dearboy as being responsible for the beating of his father, Alfred in 1994. His father later died on 8th February 1998. When questioned whether the beating was responsible for his father’s death, Paul could not really say, but did blame the death of his father on Sundaygar Dearboy.
The second witness, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Walker, a Baptist prelate and head of the Lott Carey Baptist Mission, took the stand and gave a chronological history of the events from 1979 to 2003.
He accused the leader of the defunct rebel group, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), Sekou Damate Konneh for burning down educational facilities of the mission that he says has greatly affected the smooth operation of the institution.
Rev. Dr. Walker accused the defunct rebel group of using the campus of Lott Carey Baptist Mission as launching pad in its bid to capture Monrovia. He’s claiming reparation of over US$100,000. For him, it’s his own sense of reconciliation.
The third witness, Michael Biddle said his family lost their father, the late Cllr. Patrick Biddle, for an interview he granted the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in defense of soldiers loyal to the late President Samuel Doe. He refused to disclose the names of those who killed his father and chose to give them to the TRC in confidence.
Meanwhile, many Liberians doubt the ability of the TRC to cure the broken wounds and enhance the reconciliation process, while several persons are not convene that the TRC is bring about any change. Today, many see the TRC as more a problem, than a reconciliation instrument, as espoused by prominent partisans in the war.
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