MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has offered a formal state apology to Liberians who endured the effects of the country’s fourteen-year civil war.

President Boakai said,” The conflict did not only destroy the infrastructural component of the country, but it also left lasting scars in the hearts and minds of those it rendered orphans, jobless, and shattered.

The Liberian Head of State was speaking at the National Healing, Reconciliation, and Unity program in Congo Town over the weekend.

President Boakai believes that the program signifies the government’s dedication to reconciling the nation and its people.

According to President Boakai, reconciliation can not be handed down but must be lived, shared, and embraced by all Liberians.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Leader has recommitted the government to implement key recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He said, “By doing so, the government intends to revive the National History project to rewrite a comprehensive and inclusive history of Liberia that reflects the diversity of all.”

President Boakai pledged to also establish a National Memorial to honor the victims of the country’s turbulent past, including the over two hundred fifty thousand who perished.

The President believes that these actions are a testament to preserving national conscience and the collective memories of those who felt the pinch of the conflict the most.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 2005, investigated gross human rights violations, sexual violence, and economic crimes that occurred during the Liberian Civil War.

At the same time, the keynote speaker of the National Reconciliation and Unity program, Dr. Antoine Rutayisire, is challenging Liberians to walk the path of peace in fostering true reconciliation and unity.

Dr. Rutayisire said, “Liberia’s peace, reconciliation, and unity efforts to be sustained, concrete and actionable steps must be taken by all, regardless of individual and political differences.”

According to him, these concrete and actionable steps must also reflect the voices and concerns of the people and groups desired to be reconciled.

The acclaimed preacher man lauded the Liberian Government, through the Presidential Reburial Committee for instituting measures that support the country’s quest for growth and development.

Reflecting on the brutal past of Rwanda and the country’s path to genuine reconciliation and recovery, Dr. Antoine Rutayisire encouraged the government of Liberia to continue championing the interests of the governed.

Meanwhile, Liberians from diverse groups are hailing the government for initiating efforts aimed at reconciling the nation and bringing citizens together.

The groups comprising youths, women, religious leaders, and the Traditional Council, among others, expressed their appreciation for the program, terming the ongoing efforts by the government as critical steps towards lasting peace and unity, following years of civil unrest.

According to them, it is time for citizens, regardless of political and individual differences, to join forces with the government in advancing programs that seek to unify the country.

They, however, called for a sustained practical approach to ensuring that every Liberian is included and heard in the ongoing process.