No total independence for Africa yet : Who killed President William Tolbert ?

WHO KILLED PRESIDENT TOLBERT ?

By Kabs Kanu

President Tolbert’s wife , Mrs. Victoria Tolbert who was present when he husband was assassinated, the then fiery and No- nonsense Chief Justice Chea Cheapoo and many witnesses said there were white people at the Executive Mansion the night soldiers raided it and killed President Tolbert on April 12, 1980 . What were they doing there at that ungodly hour of the night ?

Listen to the Liberian TRC testimony of former Information Minister, J. Emmanuel Bowier. America had wanted to overthrow his boss, Gen. Samuel K. Doe , since around 1986 but they did not have somebody they trusted with power in Liberia.

I know the coup was sparked by anger over the oppression of the “Country People “ by the Congaus . I experienced Congau injustice and mistreatment myself so I can relate to and understand the problems of the indigenous people . This is not to downplay the injustices they encountered in their own country and I am not here to condemn or support the coup in anyway.

However, from statements made by some TWP officials, former government officials and testimonies at the TRC, Tolbert’s relationship with the West had deteriorated seriously because he was strengthening diplomatic ties with Eastern countries and was increasingly turning to them for economic assistance to help build Liberia. So, it apoears like this also played into the hands of the many forces who wanted him out of power .

I am also aware of a conservative faction within the TWP and Congau brotherhood that was not happy with President Tolbert because of his policy of national integration which had seen him beginning to loosen the hold on the marginalization of the indigenous people and was giving them top jobs in government or giving them scholarships to study abroad. President Tolbert had even come to America and invited members of the Liberian intelligentsia to return home to take part in the political process. The conservative group thought he was moving too fast .

However, there are still lingering beliefs in Liberia that there was also a Western hand in the April 12, 1980 coup. If true, this is a clear demonstration of the fact that African countries have not attained total Independence to control their own affairs .