Liberia: President Boakai Launches National Historical Recovery Initiative Says, “A Nation that Understands its History is Better Prepared to Shape its Future”

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Delivering his 179th Independence Day Address during the official celebration in Buchanan, President Boakai said Liberia’s future depends on a clear understanding of its past, declaring, “A nation that understands its history is better prepared to shape its future.”

The President said the initiative will work with international partners, universities, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions to repatriate copies of historical records relating to Liberia while ensuring that Liberians remain at the center of researching, interpreting, and presenting the nation’s history to both its citizens and the wider world.

“As Liberians, we must remain at the center of researching, interpreting, and presenting Liberia’s history to ourselves and to the world,” President Boakai said.

As part of the initiative, President Boakai announced plans to modernize the National Archives and the National Museum through improved infrastructure, digitization, enhanced preservation systems, and expanded public access. He also directed the establishment of an intergovernmental technical committee to recommend the restoration and modernization of the Kendeja Cultural Center.

The President further announced that his Administration will revive the National History Project recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He said the project will be led by professional Liberian historians and scholars and will remain independent of political influence, emphasizing that “history should never be written through the lens of political convenience.”

This year’s Independence Day celebration was held under the national theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Narratives.”

President Boakai said strengthening national identity is inseparable from nation-building, calling on Liberians to embrace their shared history, celebrate their cultural diversity, and uphold their civic responsibilities as the nation advances toward its bicentennial.

“The greatest gift we can leave future generations is not only infrastructure or stronger institutions. It is a confident nation that understands itself,” the President said.

He noted that the National Historical Recovery and Repatriation Initiative is intended to deepen national unity, promote reconciliation, preserve an accurate historical record, and ensure that future generations inherit a fuller understanding of Liberia’s rich and complex history.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.