Pres. Boakai to Attend State Burial of Former President Samuel K. Doe and Former First Lady Nancy B. Doe in Zwedru

Monday, June 16, 2025

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is set to travel to Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, later this month to attend a momentous national ceremony marking the reburial of former President Samuel Kanyon Doe and the funeral and interment of his wife, former First Lady Nancy Bohn Doe, who recently passed away in Monrovia. The announcement was made following a courtesy visit by members of the Doe family to the President’s residence in the Rehab Community. President Boakai emphasized the national significance of the upcoming ceremony, underscoring his Administration’s commitment to honoring past leaders and promoting national healing. “This moment is not just about honoring the lives and service of two prominent Liberians,” President Boakai stated. “It is about taking meaningful steps toward healing the deep wounds of our past, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening the bonds of national unity.” The President also called on all Liberians to embrace such solemn national occasions as opportunities to confront the country’s historical divisions and foster lasting peace and cohesion.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms. Veronica Mamie Doe, daughter of the late President and First Lady, extended heartfelt thanks to President Boakai for his compassion, support, and leadership during their time of mourning. She provided an update on preparations for the funeral, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Zwedru. Ms. Doe was accompanied by her brother, Mr. Fallah Varney Doe, and their uncle, former Grand Gedeh County Senator and Senate Pro-Tempore, Mr. Isaac W. Nyenabo. President Boakai, who served as Minister of Agriculture during the Doe Administration, reflected on his personal and professional ties with the late couple and pledged continued support for the ceremony. As a gesture of solidarity, he donated five cows toward the events in Zwedru.

This reburial aligns with commitments made by President Boakai during his 2025 State of the Nation Address, where he pledged to ensure dignified reburials for former Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel K. Doe. On February 19, 2025, he established the National Committee for the Reburial of Former Presidents, chaired by Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah. Former President Doe came to power in 1980 via a military coup and led Liberia until 1990, when he was captured and killed during the civil war. The full State Burial will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Compound in Zwedru, followed by a weekend celebration of the couple’s lives from June 27–29, featuring community gatherings, music, dance, and cultural events. The Doe family invites all Liberians to participate in this historic moment of national remembrance and reconciliation, wearing white with optional gold accents symbols of new beginnings and triumph.