It has been a sad day for Liberia, particularly those who follow the country’s democratization history, since it was reported that Professor Dr. Amos C. Sawyer succumbed to death. Particularly the country’s intellectual elites, eminent citizens and international bigwigs have shown very copiously how dejected they are over the death of Dr. Sawyer, who served as Liberia’s interim president during the difficult days of war and peace. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former National Security Advisor and former Foreign Affairs Minister H. Boima Fahnbulleh and a host of many others, including the United Nations’ organs have all rendered moving tributes. Of course, the President of the Republic, Dr. George Manneh Weah, also released government’s condolence to the family of the fallen statesman. The Analyst reports.
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is one of several Liberians and international friends who have so far quickly responded to news of the death of Liberia’s former head of state, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer.
In a Tweet, Madam Sirleaf wrote: “Our nation, Liberia, mourns deeply with the passing of one of its eminent sons and moral compass, H.E. Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer. May he rest in peace.
UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) also released its tribute to the fallen Liberian political scientist and scholar.
The ECA indicated that Dr. Sawyer was “a friend of ECA, a committed statesman & Pan Africanist who played key role in bringing 🇱🇷 out of the throes of the Liberian civil war & destruction. #RIP’.
Immediately when news broke that Dr. Sawyer had died in the United States of America, President George Weah reacted in doleful tune.
“I fondly recall the opportunity he gave me to be an inspiration to many of Liberia’s youth during the civil war when he appointed me as Sports Ambassador,” President said, stating further that he received with enormous sadness news of the passing of former Interim President Dr. Amos C. Sawyer.
The President described Dr. Sawyer as a pillar of strength for Liberia’s pro-democracy movement who contributed immensely to the peace that the country now enjoys.
The former interim president died on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 in the United States of America following a period of illness.
Dr. Sawyer was a founding member of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA), a social justice organization which was very active in the 70s, and which is credited for raising the political consciousness of the population.
Dr. Sawyer also served Liberia in many other capacities before his demise, including as Interim President, when warring factions controlled large swaths of territories.
He helped organize many peace missions in and out of the country which led to some cessation of hostilities. Before that, he was a renowned professor of political science at the University of Liberia, and ran for City Mayor in 1985.
Dr. Sawyer recently served as Chairperson of the Governance Commission that was established following the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Accord to recommend policies for reforming the public and security sectors, as well as the management of land in the aftermath of the civil war.
President Weah said Dr. Sawyer’s footprints will remain etched in the history of the country for generations to come. He extended his sympathy to the bereaved family, particularly the widow of the late statesman Mrs. Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer, who he regarded as a mother, urging them to take solace in the Lord.
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