By Gabriel M C Parker
BOMI COUNTY, Liberia–The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), with funding support from the Liberian government through the Ministry of Finance, has officially dedicated and turned over the Maher Memorial in Bomi County.
The memorial was erected in honor of over 150 people who were massacred at the Maher River Bridge along the Tubmanburg–Monrovia highway on July 18, 2002, during Liberia’s second civil conflict.
Such erection of memorials and other activities are recommended in the report of the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) of 2009. In addition, the report also called for reparation of victims of the war and prosecution of perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Liberia’s 14 years of civil war, which claimed the lives of about 250,000 people, according to United Nations estimate.
The dedication ceremony took place on April 29, 2026, at the historic Maher Bridge, drawing together families of victims, local authorities, national stakeholders, and human rights advocates.
Held under the theme “Never Again,” the event served as a solemn reminder of the country’s painful past and a call for collective commitment to peace and justice.
Cllr. Dempster Brown, head of INCHR
Delivering the keynote address, INCHR Chairman, Cllr. T. Dempster Brown, commended the Government of Liberia for providing the financial support needed to complete the memorial project.
“This memorial stands not only as a tribute to the innocent lives lost but as a national symbol of our resolve to ensure that such atrocities never happen again in Liberia,” Chairman Brown declared.
He noted that the Maher massacre is one of more than 150 massacre sites identified by the INCHR across the country as part of efforts to document and memorialize victims of the civil war.
According to him, these memorials are critical in preserving history, promoting healing, and fostering reconciliation among Liberians.
Chairman Brown further assured families of the victims that the government remains committed to justice and accountability.
“We want to assure every grieving family that the fight for justice continues, and those who committed these heinous crimes will be made to answer through the establishment of a War Crimes Court,” he emphasized.
Superintendent Miatta Dukuly
Also speaking at the ceremony, Bomi County Superintendent, Miatta Dorley, expressed gratitude to the INCHR and the national government for constructing the memorial site.
“This is a significant step toward honoring our people and healing our communities; we must all take ownership of this memorial and protect it as a sacred place of remembrance,” Superintendent Dorley stated.
She called on residents of the Maher community to take responsibility for maintaining the site, urging them to keep it clean and preserve its dignity.
Meanwhile, several family members of the victims also lauded the government for the initiative, pledging to work together with local authorities to ensure the proper upkeep of the memorial as a lasting tribute to their loved ones.