Angola Honors President William R. Tolbert Jr. at 50th Independence Anniversary

[Jonathan Paye-Layleh]

Good morning, media friends. Please publish the press statement below. Angola is celebrating its 50th independence anniversary this week, with the main ceremonies slated on November 11. Interestingly, the late Liberian president, Dr. William Richard Tolbert, Jr., who was killed in the military coup of 1980, has been given a special honor --- a medal---  by the Angolan president and government as part of the independence celebrations. Please see the full story below for publication. You can get a photo of President Tolbert online. Thanks so much for joining us to remember our late progressive and dynamic president.

Jonathan Paye-Layleh

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                PRESS RELEASE 

The Republic of Angola has posthumously honored former Liberian President William Richard Tolbert Jr. with the Commemorative Medal of the 50th Anniversary of National Independence, recognizing his pivotal role in championing African liberation and self-

determination during his tenure.

 

The distinction was conveyed through the Angolan Embassy in Abidjan to the Embassy of Liberia. Angola’s President, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, selected President Tolbert for the Class of Honour, placing him among a distinguished group of African leaders  whose solidarity and advocacy helped pave the way for Angola’s independence.

 

Also honored was former Nigerian Head of State General Murtala Muhammed, another outspoken supporter of African freedom movements.

 

Celebrating a Legacy of Pan-African Leadership

 

President Tolbert served as Liberia’s leader at a time when the country played a central role in supporting African independence movements. His chairmanship of the Organization 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 are deeply honored that Angola remembers and acknowledges our father’s contributions to the continent’s freedom and progress,” she said. “This remembrance, nearly half a century later, is both humbling and uplifting for our family.”

 

A President Remembered for Vision and Service

 

William R. Tolbert Jr., born May 13, 1913 in Bentol, led Liberia through a period of growth and economic expansion. Having served as Vice President for 19 years under President William V. S. Tubman, he assumed the presidency in 1971 and pursued an agenda focused

on national development, social reform, and regional cooperation.

 

Widely respected across Africa for his diplomacy and leadership within the OAU, President Tolbert worked to strengthen ties among African states and supported liberation movements, including Angola’s long struggle for independence.

 

Historical Context

 

While President Tolbert’s life was tragically cut short during the military coup of April 12, 1980, the honor bestowed by Angola emphasizes not the circumstances of his death, but the continental impact of his leadership, principles, and unwavering commitment to a united and free Africa.

 

Recent Memorial Efforts

 

Earlier this year, on July 1, Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai presided over a national ceremony marking the symbolic reburial of President Tolbert and 13 officials who lost their lives during the 1980 coup. The new mausoleum at the Liberian Baptist Theological Seminary in Paynesville stands as a testament to national healing, remembrance, and the enduring legacy of the Tolbert administration.

 

A Timely Recognition

 

As Angola marks 50 years of independence, the honor extended to President Tolbert serves as a powerful reminder of Liberia’s historical role in African freedom movements and the meaningful alliances forged across the continent. For the Tolbert family, the recognition is a moment of dignity, remembrance, and reaffirmation of the values he stood for.

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