In a front-page and color-coded headline, the FPA Newspaper (FrontpageAfricaonline, August 23, 2016) reported the gruesome, dramatic firing-squad executions of the former officials of government, set against the Atlantic Ocean’s beach-front background.

The FPA, also, reported that Mr. Samuel K. Doe, Jr., son of Samuel K. Doe, Sr., Head of State when the executions took place and Mr. C. Cecil Dennis, III, son of the late C. Cecil Dennis, Jr., Minister of Foreign Affairs who was one of the officials of Government executed, and quoted them respectively, as follows:

 “We need a special day that should be put aside as a holiday so we can remember our horrific past and all innocent people that have lost their lives throughout the history of our country, whether in the name revolution or the civil war. Without such recognition of those who lost their lives, Unity may never be complete” – Samuel K. Doe, Jr.

 “May our fathers’ departure of this earth, and our common interest of peace, bind us stronger together as brothers, regardless of our backgrounds. Today, as Samuel K. Doe, Jr., and I plan to talk and subsequently meet, may our common nationalism be the substance of our patriotism” – C. Cecil Dennis, III.

The Meeting of Samuel K. Doe, Jr.  & C. Cecil Dennis, III

According to the headline above, “a (National) Reconciliation process is in the making after 36 years” of a deadly human rights violations in Liberia by a joint effort by the meeting of these two young, highly-spirited, nationalist, patriotic Liberians.

For young Samuel K. Doe, Jr., reconciliation, peace and unity will come to Liberia only if and when a day is declared a national holiday to remember our horrific past and (pay homage to) all innocent people (Liberians) that have lost their lives throughout the history of our country, whether in the name of revolution or the civil war. “Without such recognition of those who lost their lives, unity may not be complete”.  Meanwhile, Mr. C. Cecil Dennis, III, like Mr. Samuel K. Doe, Jr., believes, poetically, that “May our fathers’ departure (death) from this earth, and our common interest of peace (reconciliation and unity), bind us stronger as brothers, regardless of our backgrounds. Today, as Samuel K. Doe, Jr., and I plan to talk and subsequently meet, may our common nationalism be the substance of our patriotism”.  No blames, anger or revenge, but the honest, diligent search for national reconciliation, peace, unity security and forgive, but not “forget”; for, those who ignore the mistakes of history are likely to repeat them.

The Nation’s Concerns and Needs

Indeed, the Concerns and Needs expressed by the two young men who were toddlers still in diapers when our latest, historic nightmare of the civil war broke out with plunder, destruction, citizen’s displacement, human suffering and death. This profound, deadly phenomenon of our Liberian “human condition” – protests demonstrations, deadly armed hostilities, arrests, detentions and public executions, leading to the April 14, 1979 Rice Riots and culminating in the April 12, 1980 Event and its consequences, all characterized the entire, sordid 169-year history of our country.

The victims of the beech-front executions were not born, not around when this nation was founded and the laws that guided the destiny of the nation were made. But the Liberian Nation’s socio-economic and political experience had been, still is subject to Public Policy produced by these laws made and enshrined in the nation’s Constitution in 1847, still on the books and in force an effect.

What is Reconciliation?

In the light of the crucial, critical Concerns and Needs expressed, we held earlier, in an article elsewhere, that Reconciliation, in general and the immediate terms, is a process designed to “settle a quarrel, a difference” with someone(s), arising from and due to wrongful acts, a re-establishment of friendly relations by and between two or more individuals after a period of intense, unfriendly and, sometimes, deadly, antagonistic encounters.

Accordingly, Reconciliation, like the famous, South American dance, tango,  takes two to be successful; that is, that it takes the coming together of the victim(s) of the wrongful acts, on the one hand, and the confessed, remorseful, guilty ones of the wrongful acts, on the other. In the context of the Liberian, political community that experienced an illegal, armed conflict in which hundreds of thousands of innocent citizens were brutally tortured, maimed, raped and summarily executed, the families of the dead, loved ones, the living victims of this cruel adventure and the confessed, remorseful, guilty perpetrators come together, under the auspices of the national government to “settle the quarrel and re-establish friendly relations” – peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding, respect and cooperation – or national reconciliation.

This is done after, not before, reasonable, dedicated and diligent institutional reforms, the socio-economic well-being of the citizens, including application of the modern, Transitional Justice approach – the process from systematic abuse of civil/political rights and post-conflict transition to democracy – designed for even-handed investigations, arrests, free, fair and open trials, conviction and punishment of human rights violators, with amnesties granted to deserving violators, as well as remedy to and satisfaction of the living victims and families of loved ones victimized during the war. As such, reconciliation is a final or end-process.

However, this approach to reconciliation has not been, is not being, applied. This, among others, is the reason for the failures of National Reconciliation. Beginning with Sawyer’s IGNU, Kpomakpor’s Council of State, Taylor’s “jungle justice”, Bryant’s Transitional Administration (dominated by factional rebels and the doctrine of “spoils of war” entitlements), and now, the Johnson-Sirleaf’s two-term watch (in its final endeavors, but still with “no show”, while the “beat still goes on”).

As a matter of fact, there was an ethnic/tribal tug-of-war between some Liberia-based and some Diaspora-based Liberians about being left out or excluded from membership of the recently-appointed, Mr. George Weah’s Reconciliation Committee that had been awarded, reportedly, a 5 million, U. S dollar sleaze for operations; another bottomless pit?  

More Reflections – Scope & Nature of Reconciliation

Seriously, during and after the end of our ethnically-driven, deeply-divisive and historic, civil war tragedy of destruction, brutality, human suffering and death, the need for national healing of the deep wounds afflicted, for bridging the profoundly wide, ethnic/tribal cleavages created; for re-unifying the once-united, peaceful and proud people in peace, unity and security became evident and compelling. Presumably, it was this realization and towards its achievement that the government of President Charles Taylor established a new, full-fledged agency with the name of the National Reconciliation & Re-integration Commission (NRRC) to pursue this goal – conflict analysis, prevention, management and peaceful, rational resolution of national conflicts.

However, the performance of this agency, headed by Mr. Taylor’s hand-picked (“Greater Liberia”) confidante, is public knowledge of incompetence, inaction and failure that saw new armed hostilities erupted and exploded into the “Lofa County Conflict” in April 1999.

Reasonably, Liberians had hoped that the general and Presidential elections of 1997 that brought Taylor to power and ended the nation’s first phase of the end of armed hostilities  of our fifteen-year, civil conflict had settled the contentious issue of national, political leadership that initially motivated the conflict and that we “were out of the woods”. Regrettably, this was not the case; for, elections alone do not and could not resolve the deep-seated, historical and ethnic/tribal divisions created, particularly, the socio-economic, political and ethnic-tribal bigotry – suspicion, distrust, fear, envy, jealousy, antagonism, and prejudice bordering on hatred – that have remained unattended for a century.

The result  had been and is that political instability was likely to explode at any time as had happened several times over long periods – for example, more than one hundred and fifty-some years of miss-governance, marginalization/exclusion of the nation’s majority population, and missed  opportunities leading to the historic conflict that began in December, 1989. In the light of these and other conditions now prevailing, new efforts at national peace and reconciliation are needed to inspire and energize Liberians into a shared, collective mission of national reconciliation.

Major Focus of National Reconciliation

Indeed, some of the fundamental root-causes and, therefore, the sources of conflicts in our country are found in Liberian socio-economic and political History. The primary, major root-causes had been, and are, the inordinate quest for political power and greed for economic wealth perceived, and still believe, to be associated with such power.  However, to be meaningful, substantive and to achieve long-lasting impact, National Reconciliation should and must transcend issues that lend themselves to naked quest for partisan, political power.

The process of national reconciliation should be non-political, although the issues to be addressed are found in the full spectrum of socio-cultural, economic and political dynamics. As a forum in which these critical issues are to be presented, debated and addressed for the benefit of all Liberians, it should not and must not be a forum for grandstanding, finger-pointing and blame-games in an effort to achieve and gain partisan, political advantage.

Reconciliation should and must attend to structural causes of conflicts past and present – the social, economic and political issues that undermine peace, unity, security, regional empowerment (decentralization of administrative, economic & political power) and progress should be identified and addressed. In this context, issues of Liberian identity and history, our system of personalized political patronage and clientele, centralized governmental structure (for decentralization), reform of governmental bureaucracy – the civil service, land acquisition and customary land tenure and religious intolerance, among many others, should and must be addressed.

Reconciliation is taking collective responsibility for the nation’s problems; it is an opportunity for tolerance, frank, candid and constructive exchange of ideas and opinions with focus on issues rather than on personalities; it provides an opportunity of a forum in which problems are identified, defined and solutions advanced; for, reconciliation is a serious business because the future of the Liberian Nation is at stake.

All well-meaning, concerned, capable and informed citizens should contribute to the efforts and motivate others in the search for peace, reconciliation and national harmony. Success of the reconciliatory process depends upon maximum support and participation of the Liberian people, both at home in Liberia and abroad.

The process will require aggressive, effective public education with emphasis on rural Liberia where the majority of the nation’s population lives. There is need to inform, educate, persuade and convince the Liberian people that it is important, indeed critical, to transform the Liberian society through reconciliation for peace, unity and security.

Goals, Objectives

We submit that conflicts are natural, proper and characterize human nature and society. Indeed, sometimes conflicts provide opportunities for rational, necessary change.  The challenge, however, often lies in the will to build the enabling capabilities to resolve conflicts through non-violent, rational, rewarding approaches.

It is, indeed, profoundly crucial and critical that Liberia improve, by planning and development, to provide socio-political systems and mechanisms or institutions such as efficient and effective Police, transparent courts, free and fair electoral systems to manage conflicts, maintain law and order, and promote peace, unity and security.

In a political community that experienced illegal armed conflict, as was the Republic, in which innocent citizens lost their lives, reconciliation includes lawful house-cleaning for healing of the wounds, reunifying the citizens and, thereby, sending out a clear and important message that no one is entitled to or given preferential, treatment irrespective of socio-cultural, economic or political standing in that community; it also  provides a sense of relief, remedy, justice, fair play and personal satisfaction for the families of loved ones victimized by the conflict. Hence, the need for the trial of former President Taylor and associates for war crimes allegedly committed.

The ultimate goal of Reconciliation is to achieve lasting peace, unity and individual/collective security of the people, and to initiate a new national beginning of maximum, rewarding participation for social integration, growth at higher levels of development. Reconciliation, peace, national unity and security are the foundation upon which mobilization of the required national will and commitment are built as the catalyst for the process of national renewal. Accordingly, National Reconciliation seeks to energize and unleash the resources of all Liberians to achieve peace, unity and security, in order to reconfirm our national hopes and aspirations for now and the future. Specifically, Reconciliation seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop post Reconciliation Forum for follow-up and follow-through mechanisms or plans/processes with targets, deadlines and responsible analysts/reporters among all stakeholders to ensure implementation; and
• Mobilize the collective, political will and commitment of Liberians at all levels of society to attend to the problems identified in the manner agreed
• Eradicate all forms of ethnic/tribal and regional bigotry
• Educate in order to understand and appreciate the virtues of patriotism, nationalism and to observe the rule of law and the rights of other citizens and foreign residents
• Forgive (not forget) one another
• Re-dedicate and commit ourselves as Liberians First and Tribal citizens Second
• Create, in the Liberian people, a sense of belonging and national pride
• Identify and analyze the root causes of Liberia’s conflicts, past and present
• Commit national policy to promote and ensure national peace, unity and collective and individual security, regional cooperation and economic development, including conflict prevention, management and peaceful resolution
• Develop a framework – strategies and prioritized actions – for addressing the problems identified

Finally, Reconciliation for peace-making, unity and security are long-term endeavors; they require long-term commitments. As such, this is not unexpected. Given the deep-seated and long-term nature of some of the problems, they cannot be satisfactorily addressed overnight. It will require sustained and durable efforts; structures development, process refinement, further consultations, joint planning and programming, and resource mobilization.

Accordingly, the government and people of Liberia should and must commit themselves to a long-term undertaking to achieve and sustain real peace, unity, stability and security through Reconciliation. This commitment should and must be maintained and demonstrated, irrespective which administration holds political power. 

Sober, Reasonable reflections

However, in the light of the foregoing scope and nature of reconciliation and the nation’s prevailing Liberian political conditions, true National reconciliation is unlikely. Apparently, the basic, critical reasons for the continuing failure or elusive of our desired, national reconciliation, include the following:

Liberia is a country of a few Men & Women, Not a country of the rule of law in a democracy;

The discriminatory, oppressive, suppressive, abusive laws made at the Nation’s founding in 1847 that guided the socio-cultural and political course of events are still valid and in force and effect on the books;

Forces that conceived, planned, organized and launched the illegal civil war are the political rulers of the nation today. Therefore, the abusive forces of the past and present, perpetrators of massive civil rights violations continue to wield major socio-cultural, economic and political power, including Police and military power and authority;

The Three Branches of Government – Legislative, Executive & Judiciary – are dominated and controlled by these abusive forces and by citizens of foreign countries, particularly, the National Legislature, in blatant violation of Article 30 of the Constitution;

Some of the announced candidates for President of Liberia, come 2017, are citizens of foreign countries who own real estates with families living permanently in those foreign countries, also in violation of Article 52 of the Constitution;

Loyalty and Patriotism, the cardinal elements required for nationalism or “love of country” are absolutely absent within and among the Liberian political ruling class or group;

The highly-debated and nationally-critical, political issue of Americo-, Congo- and Ethnic-Tribal- or Indigenous-Liberians with proclivities on the part of Americo- and Congo-Liberians to marginalize, exclude, discriminate and deny Indigenous, Ethnic-Tribal Liberians’ civil-political rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution is alive and well in present day Liberia.

It includes ethnic-tribal, indigenous Liberians who have graduated to a fourth class of Americo-Congo-Country Liberians, the self-preferred political ruling class. This new class dominates the offices of the ministries and agencies of government as the doers for bosses – the Americo- and Congo-Liberians. Things have not changed!!

Public-Private Dishonesty – graft, greed known as corruption – is now roaring in Liberia as Corruption, Inc. with the Republic ranks very high on the international scale.

Public policy theorists (Freeman, 2006 & Schlesinger,Jr. 1969) hold, respectively, that “abusive forces” that perpetrated massive human, civil and political rights violations continue to wild political power and authority in a post-conflict condition or situation where the administration of justice, from Police to prosecutors to judges is week and controlled by politics, plagued by corruption and unemployment; and “the resort to violence is due, mainly, to the failure of reason”.

Given the foregoing national socio-cultural, economic and political conditions written in cement without the likelihood of reasonable short- or mid-term change or reforms, the nationalist-patriotic Concerns and Needs expressed by young Samuel K. Doe, Jr and C. Cecil Dennis, III were and are made and thrown in a cesspool of absolute futility.

References:

Freeman, Mark, Truth Commissions & Procedural Fairness, Cambridge University Press, New York, 2006
Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M., The Crisis of Confidence, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1969

Baj M. Gbala, Sr., Contributing Writer
0770 – 433-959
 gbala9@aol.com

Monrovia – Mr. C. Cecil Dennis III is pressing on despite a strong dismissal from the widow and family of the late foreign minister that he is one of their own.

Mr. Dennis, in a letter to FrontPageAfrica reiterated his readiness to prove that he is indeed the former minister’s son by agreeing to undergo a DNA test.

Last week, the Mrs. Agnes Cooper Dennis slammed Mr. Dennis and labeled him an imposter for trying to claim biological connection to her late husband.

“We see him as an imposter, and as such he has deceived Samuel K. Doe, FrontPageAfrica, the Liberian people as well as others who comprise FrontPageAfrica audience. Until he is prepared to take a DNA test to prove his genetic connection to the family, please know that C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. family does not recognize him as whom he purports to be.”

But despite the dismissal, Mr. Dennis says he remains firm. “I am not deterred by desperate malicious attempts of distraction, favoritism or resentment.

For 36 years, since our father was assassinated, none have reached out to anyone for reconciliation, now I’m doing it; I’m being attacked, really? There’s absolutely positively nothing wrong with me taking a DNA as long as every one of us is taking the DNA to prove the legitimacy of each of us.”

Added Mr. Dennis: “This desperate attempt to undermine the progress of the reconciliation process we have started is a direct evidence of prejudice and divisiveness most stepmothers perpetrate between siblings.

This move is repulsive and outrageously disgusting. I thought we have passed this level of resentfulness and insignificant divisiveness but perhaps preconceptions yet lives for stepchildren.”

Mr. Dennis says he is not deterred by desperate malicious attempts of distraction, favoritism or resentment.

“For 36 years, since our father was assassinated, none have reached out to anyone for reconciliation, now I’m doing it; I’m being attacked, really?

There’s absolutely positively nothing wrong with me taking a DNA as long as everyone of us are taking the DNA to prove the legitimacy of each of us.

Therefore, I patiently await the date, time and place of this amazing gathering of DNA testing, once we are all gathered at the reunion of DNA our legitimacy will be put to rest.”

He charged that the family’s attack on him is a mere attempt to interrupt the path of reconciliation and reunification.

“It’s a desperate attempt that does not represent the characteristics of our father. Please do not drag my father’s name down with bigotry.

He loves his country and his countrymen without a doubt, so if this is a means to castigate me…than we are in for a long run, because Liberia is bigger and greater than anyone of us.

Besides, Murvi and I are not identical twins neither are he daddy – comparing my DNA to that of my brother doesn’t make sense, but I am ready and open-minded.”

He said he is ready for the DNA testing any date, time and place as long as every child of my father is being tested to legitimize their legitimacy as well. “

As a father figure of my in California…who has been married to his wife for 48 years, sent for his entire family from Liberia 2 years ago…unfortunately for him, his 4 grown Children didn’t have the same DNA…it turns out his wife had those kids by a different man…only his last son, Mulubah and him had the same DNA…

So, just because a woman and a man have been married doesn’t mean her children are his children…therefore, there’s absolutely positively nothing wrong with me taking a DNA as long as everyone of us are taking the DNA to prove the legitimacy of each of us. Bring it. Let’s do it!”

Monrovia – The family of the late Dr. C. Cecil Dennis have challenged a man claiming to be, C. Cecil Dennis III, advocating for reconciliation between himself and the son of late President Samuel Kanyon Doe, to take a DNA test to prove his genetic connection to the family.

Report by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Until he is prepared to take a DNA test to prove his genetic connection to the family, please know that C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. family does not recognize him as whom he purports to be – (Bindu Dennis Woode)

 “I’m ready for DNA any day. She (Bindu Dennis Woode) is my sister and I love her very much.”  – C. Cecil Dennis, III

Bindu Dennis Woode first contacted FrontPageAfrica Tuesday suggesting that the C. Cecil Dennis cited in a reconciliation piece published this week is an imposter.

She later emailed a letter written by Mrs. Agnes Cooper-Dennis, widow of the former Minister alleging that the man is not a member of their family.

FULL LETTER (Click here)

The Editor,

We read your article in today’s FrontPageAfrica, “When Cecil Dennis III Met Samuel Doe II: Reconciliation – 36 Years in the Making”. We too pray for peace and harmony for Liberia.

We would just like to state for the record that as the family of C. Cecil Dennis II, we do not know who this person is, who claims to be C. Cecil Dennis III. We do not recognize him as family.

It has been brought to our attention, his “so-called” name, and some of his viewpoints that have surfaced on social media.

However, the emerging of this article today is somewhat concerning to us, because this person is essentially a stranger.

We see him as an imposter, and as such he has deceived Samuel K. Doe, FrontPageAfrica, the Liberian people as well as others who comprise FrontPageAfrica audience.

Until he is prepared to take a DNA test to prove his genetic connection to the family, please know that C. Cecil Dennis, Jr. family does not recognize him as whom he purports to be.

Although we consider FrontPageAfrica to be an esteemed publication, we do not view this article with any authenticity because of the source.

Agnes Cooper-Dennis,
Widow, on behalf of the family

DNA Challenge Accepted

But Mr. Dennis insists that he is indeed the son of the former Minister and is willing and ready to take a DNA test to prove that he is. “I’m ready for DNA any day. She (Bindu Dennis Woode) is my sister and I love her very much.” 

Bindu however says the process regarding any DNA testing must be on the family’s terms.  “We will choose a reputable testing agency, and the testing will be done here in the United States, where both my brother, Murvi Cecil Dennis and this “so called” C. Cecil Dennis, III must be present.”

Bindu described the situation as being of great concern to the family and a DNA test will once and for all diminish what she described claims by “a license to impostor”, claiming to be a member of the Dennis family.

Cecil’s Brother Says Possibility Exist; But Unsure

James Dennis, the elder brother of the slain former foreign affairs Minister when contacted by FrontPageAfrica Thursday said while the legitimacy of Mr. Dennis’s claims could not be entirely erased, his late brother never told him that he had a son named C. Cecil Dennis III.

James Dennis explained that he first gained knowledge of the saga during a memorial service for the victims of the April 22nd remembering the lives of the thirteen former Ministers of the Tolbert era who were executed by firing squad in 1980, ten days after the Samuel K. Doe-led military coup ended decades of Americo-Liberian rule in Liberia.

James Dennis explained: “It was at the April 22nd memorial in Maryland a few years ago when this fellow came out and said he was C. Cecil Dennis’s son. Now Cecil and I were very close brothers. We were from the same mother and the same father.

I just happened to be a few years older than he was. Now, Cecil told me everything, practically; and he knew everything about me practically. But this little boy’s name never came up. 

And it was strange. Now, perhaps it was something that did happen but the mother did not reveal anything at a certain time or so and he (Cecil) wasn’t fully aware of it – or something like that but we never discussed it.”

Cecil Dennis III agrees, at least partially: “Uncle Jimmy is right, that was the first time everyone saw me and I met everyone. I was overwhelmed and extremely excited.  That day when my father’s sister, Gwen introduced me, the heavens open and glory filled my heart…

I will be meeting my brothers and sisters after many years of desiring to meet them…after those days, Bindu, Murvi, Doll and Moshe and I continue talking and getting to know each other.”

Hint at Family Split Over Legitimacy

Dennis III explained that there has been a division in the family for some time over his legitimacy.

“My mother is different from her’s. Their mother was married to our father.  Doll’s mother is different. Murvi, Sonia and Bindu are from the same mother. Charmelle, Thelma and Moshe have different mothers too.

They say Doll, my father’s first is not his child as well. Moshe and everyone else except the three of them – Murvi, Bendu and Sonia

Drawing a similar path from his own experience, Mr. James Dennis explained:

‘These Things Can Happen’

“Now I give you a similar situation in my case. I have a son who is now the oldest boy in my family and I never knew he was my son until he was fourteen years old. You see… these things can happen.

But when I saw the fella and my mother and father saw the fella, they were all convinced that he was their grandchild and he was my son, including my brother who was the ringleader in this whole thing. 

So we discover this whole thing here. But it so happens that all of us were living. Now when this situation came up and the boy said he was Cecil Dennis’ son, I was shocked like the devil but couldn’t say anything because Cecil was nowhere around you see… So Rodney… this thing has me in limbo. I have not met the mother and I don’t know anything more than what I discovered at the memorial service in Maryland few years ago.”

The late foreign Minister’s brother further noted that since he returned home to Liberia, people have asked him about the man now claiming to be his brother’s son.

“All I can say is that’s what he says but we do not know of a Cecil Dennis III by Cecil Dennis. We know of a Cecil Dennis III named after my father who happens to be my son. You see what happens…  I tell you the story is very sad, if you have the time.”

He further explained: “When I got married and had my son, I named him J. H. Dennis the II.  When Cecil married he had his first son, Cecil and named him Cecil Charles Dennis II. When the old man heard the news, his whole attitude changed.

So, we were wondering what happened to the old man. So Cecil went and said ‘Daddy, I thought you would be happy, Jimmy had his son, he named him JH Dennis II. Now I’m naming my son, Charles Cecil Dennis III’.

Added James Dennis: “Because my father was living, he was C. Cecil Dennis I. So the old man said well if that’s how you feel and you want me to die, well I will have to accept it but if anything happens don’t’ bring it to me and that’s it.

So, Cecil got really concerned because he hadn’t even left the hospital and said ok we will change the name, we will change the name. But that dad told us the story why he didn’t want the child to be named the III.

Then he said well the tradition is when you name a direct heir, the first, the second and the third, directly that way, the old man died. So Cecil said I don’t want to be held that way so I will withdraw that name.

So they named his son, Murvi Dennis. And so that’s how it went. So when I had my second son, this interesting part, the old man was the first person who came up and said we will name him Charles Cecil Dennis III. But then Cecil said, Oh. But Dad, anyway…. He got quiet.”

One Family; Two Cecil Dennis?

Mr. Dennis further explained that his late father later explained why he pressed for him to name his son, C. Cecil Dennis III. 

“The old man said the name could be name that way because it is not a direct descendant, you see. So I was James Cambridge III, he wanted the name to be perpetuated so he said my son should be named Charles Cecil Dennis III and that boy is in America right now, my son.

So, when this little boy came up when we celebrated that 25th anniversary in the states, the children were confused because they said they only knew one Charles Cecil Dennis III but that was my son who was not their brother, he was their first cousin, you see.

So, that’s how the children. So it must have appeared that what happen was that this lady, perhaps she got pregnant; she had this child, maybe she and Cecil went together, I don’t even know the mother, perhaps she on her own decided to name the boy Charles Cecil Dennis III which was already in existence.”

Truth in Limbo: Mother Not Julia Gibson

When asked to confirm whether the mother of the man claiming to be C. Cecil Dennis was Julia Gibson, Mr. Dennis replied:

“No! Julia Gibson’s son name is Moshe, named after the great general of Israel, that’s Julia Gibson’s son which we all know and the children know as their brother. So that’s what happen with this little boy. 

It’s in limbo because now, how can we have two Charles Cecil Dennis III in the same family. You see the thing. So that is the real story and I think you should know this.

So that’s what happened. But I believe let’s let sleeping dogs lie, leave it like that unless something else comes up that will make it necessary for you to explain.”

Let Sleeping Dog Lie, Brother Pleads

Mr. James Dennis suggested that the family put the saga to rest. “That’s what I think; we should just let sleeping dogs lie.”

Does it look right now for you now to come and say something when the person is dead? We are the ones alive and can’t substantiate it. So that’s the story. At least I’m alive to explain that part. That’s the story.”

When made aware of her late father’s brother’s explanation, Bindu agreed. “The story Uncle Jimmy told you about the naming of my brother, Murvi, my parent’s first child; is one we often giggle about and look back on with great fondness and affection. 

Grandfather was quite adamant about making sure his life was not cut short by any means. We do feel as a family, and I emphasize, with my mother’s blessing; that publishing the letter is the right thing to do at this time.” 

The uncertainty over the legitimacy in the absence of a DNA is likely to raise more questions than answers. But one family member with knowledge of the situation lamented Thursday:

“He (Cecil Dennis III) has been hurting all these years. It is right to make amends and reconcile and move on. It is also fine for others in the family to disagree, but not use this as a way to castigate him.”

Monrovia – Samuel Kanyon Doe Jr. was only three-years-old when his dad led the People’s Redemption Council’s overthrow of the William R. Tolbert, ending decades of Americo-Liberian rule in Africa’s oldest republic. C. Cecil Dennis III, was three-years-old as well.

Report by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

“May our fathers’ departure of this earth, and our common interest of peace, bind us stronger together as brothers, regardless of our backgrounds. Today, as Samuel K. Doe, Jr and I plan to talk and subsequently meet, may our common nationalism be the substance of our patriotism – C. Cecil Dennis, III

---

“We need a special day that should be put aside as a holiday so we can remember our horrific past and all the innocent people that have lost their lives throughout the history of our country, whether in the name of revolution or the civil war. Without such recognition of those who lost their lives, Unity may never be complete” – Samuel K. Doe, Jr.

His father, C. Cecil Dennis II was a popular Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Tolbert government. He and twelve members of Tolbert’s cabinet were taken to a beach, ten days after the coup near a block south of the Barclay army barracks west of the Executive Mansion and executed.

‘You Don’t Know God’

American photojournalist Larry C. Price in a capsule for rarehistoricalphotos.com recalled: “C. Cecil Dennis Jr, faced death very bravely, staring at his killers while awaiting his fate. When he mouthed a prayer that before being shot, a soldier loudly shouted, “You lie! You don’t know God!”

 After the order to fire was given, a drunken executioner may have winged him but the other bullets missed altogether, splashing into the Atlantic Ocean behind him. He was the only person still alive after the first barrage of gunfire.

Two more soldiers finally approached and sprayed Cecil with an Uzi and pistol at point-blank range, hitting him in the face, body and head, until he was dead. Each man was later hit with 50 or 60 extra bullets by the drunken soldiers.”

Doe reigned for nearly a decade. On September 9, 1990, he was captured in Monrovia by faction leader Prince Y. Johnson and taken to Johnson’s military base and tortured before being killed and exposed naked in the streets of Monrovia.

Thirty-six years after the coup, the sons of the pair whose path crossed in an eventful but tragic day on April 12, 1980, are making amends of what has gone down as one of the most painful chapters in Liberia’s rugged history.

“Today, in this life of uncertainties – God has made certain – that the sons of former permanent servants of Liberia – come together in the interest of reconciliation and reunification,” Dennis III penned on his Facebook page Monday.

Dennis, III, laments further that for nearly four decades, bureaucratic actions have left Liberians confused about what nationalistic and patriotic duties are.

“But today, the sons of Liberia are coming together to work toward the restoration and the dignity of our nation. May our fathers’ departure of this earth, and our common interest of peace, bind us stronger together as brothers, regardless of our backgrounds.”

C. Cecil Dennis III Optimistic About Future

Both men plan to begin a dialogue in hopes of fostering reconciliation. “Today, as Samuel K. Doe Jr, and I plan to talk and subsequently meet, May our common nationalism be the substance of our patriotism,” Dennis III, says.  

“Let me in this public manner, thank Samuel K Doe Jr, for reaching out to me – in response to my quest for peace – for it takes the special grace of God and the love of one’s country to walk the path of peace.

I am humble by your conviction of peace, and I’m looking forward to working with you. Together, we can move our nation into her optimistic future. Long live Liberia and long live the people of our land.”

Asked why it has taken so long for him to reach out to Dennis, Doe Jr, now an Executive Director at the National Port Authority says:

“I think everything in life has a time, as for me personally, it was never difficult because I know exactly what CCD has been through. I’m friends with the Chessons, Tolberts and can’t forget my man Anthony Quiwonkpa, who is at the Ministry of State.”

Doe Jr. says he and his new friend and brother are hoping that other Liberians embrace the reconciliation approach and put the ugly past of Liberia behind.

“We as Liberians have been through a lot, I hope we can inspire people to know and understand that the past doesn’t necessarily dictate the future. It takes a man with strong heart to sincerely forgive, that’s what I think we lack in Liberia.”

Doe Jr. suggests that the national government put aside a special day for the purpose of healing.

“We need a special day that should be put aside as a holiday so we can remember our horrific past and all the innocent people that have lost their lives throughout the history of our country, whether in the name of revolution or the civil war. Without such recognition of those who lost their lives, Unity may never be complete.”

For those in similar predicament but still struggling to let go, Doe Jr. says while everyone has their own way of dealing with personal issues, they have to be sincere within themselves and know that keeping animosity and hatred for someone will eventually take a toll on themselves.

“As Christians, we need to learn how to forgive and move on. As painful as it may seem, they need to reach out to someone who’s in the same circumstances as they are and fellowship with that person, perhaps through that, they will realize that time heals all wounds.”

‘We Are Not Perfect’

For Dennis, reconciling is key and a necessity if Liberia is to move forward.

“Having spoken to Samuel today about the past and what the future holds for us, I am more vigorous in reconciling our nation than before. Like I expressed to him, I hold him not responsible for the execution of my father as we both were children.

We are not perfect and we understand our imperfections have been our limitations.

But through our limitations we are working to improve our imperfections. Our hurts and pains are personal, they have left us bruised with physical inflictions, and psychological emotions, but today is a new day.”

Dennis adds: “I hold this fundamental truth to my motivation and determination to reconcile our difference and rebuild our nation. As a direct descendant of this land, we are both brothers and Liberia is bigger than us.

Therefore, we, extend a hand of reconciliation to every Liberian who family member was killed before and or during the civil war – to Prince Y. Johnson, Mrs. Jewel Taylor, Mrs. Tarloh Munah Quiwonkpa, (and her children, Kou, Deddeh, Gonkama, Jeleth, and Yormi Quiwonkpa), and to the children of government officials assassinated 1980, which included – Hon. Cyril Bright, Hon. Joseph J. F. Chesson, Sr., Hon. C. Cecil Dennis Jr., Hon. Richard A. Henries, Hon. Charles D. B. King, Hon. D. Franklin Neal, Hon. P. Clarence Parker II, Hon. James T. Phillips, Hon. James A. A. Pierre, Hon. John W. F. Sherman, Hon. Frank J. Stewart, Sr., Hon. Frank E. Tolbert, Sr., Hon. E. Reginald Townsend), for a Truce Conciliation through reformation.”

Uncertainty Still Over TRC Report

A Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up in aftermath of the election of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, was tasked with promoting national peace, security, unity and reconciliation” by investigating gross human rights violations and violations of humanitarian law, sexual violations, and economic crimes that occurred between January 1979 and October 2003.

The report among other things called for the establishment of a National Palava Hut Forum as a complementary tool for justice and national reconciliation and recommended that the Palava Hut process be based on traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.

Persons recommended for prosecution in the TRC Report for the commission of international crimes would not be entitled to be pardoned through the Palava Hut process.

The TRC also recommended that the Government of Liberia assumes its full responsibility under international law to provide reparations for all those individuals and communities victimized by the years of instability and war, especially women and children.

The commission recommended a reparation program of approximately US$500m over 30 years.

Perhaps the portion of the report grabbing the most attention was the names of 98 perpetrators that the TRC found responsible for various kinds of gross human rights violations and war crimes.

The report recommended that these people be investigated and prosecuted by the Liberian courts. The Commission concluded that “All warring factions are responsible for the commission of gross human rights violations in Liberia,” and therefore recommended for prosecution the heads of eight warring factions during both civil wars.

The report recommends 21 people be investigated and prosecuted for economic crimes along with 19 corporations, institutions, and state actors. 52 people are recommended for public sanction and being barred from holding public office again.

54 other individuals and entities are recommended for further investigation.

An additional 36 people were identified as perpetrators, but the TRC recommended that they should not be prosecuted because they “cooperated with the TRC process, admitted to the crimes committed and spoke truthfully before the Commission and expressed remorse for their prior actions during the war.”

Today, though, Liberia has struggled to ensure that the legal system t conduct its own investigations into the actions of those people listed by the TRC’s report.

Under the TRC Act, the president must report to the Legislature on the implementation of the TRC recommendations three months after the delivery of the report, and thereafter every three months. If the TRC’s recommendations are not being followed, the president must show cause to the Legislature why this is not the case.

The Carter Center challenged the government in July 2009 to ensure that the findings were implemented.

“Dealing with the crimes of the past is always one of the greatest challenges facing a country recovering from conflict,” said Carter Center Associate Director for Conflict Resolution Tom Crick.

“The TRC has now made its recommendations and it is now for legislature and the courts to begin their work in the spirit of Liberia’s continued and enduring commitment to peace.”

 ‘Journey Will Not be Easy, Dennis III Says

For the foreseeable future, Dennis III is confident that Liberia is capable of restoring itself by healing wounds through reconciliation. “Our journey will not be easy but it will be fruitful.

The Liberian Reformation Network platform is transparent and has a simple goal, reconciliation through reformation, and this goal is achievable. Therefore, I, Charles Cecil Dennis III, stand in total solidarity with Samuel K. Doe Jr, as the reconciliation and reformation of our people, begin with us.

Many may not embrace our patriotic obligation demonstrated for reconciliation, but they have to respect our democratic will to reunite our nation.”

That’s why, Dennis III adds: “Our reconciliation and reunification are symbolic of our collective strength, and not signs of our weakness. Together we are stronger. Together we are an unstoppable unit. Together, we, Liberians, represent our nations and support her democratic principles.

Together, patriotically, not problematically nor politically, but together we stand second to none.

Together, we uphold our nationalism. Together, we defend our solidarity. Together, we’ll move our nation forward. Together we uplift our national proud, dignity and integrity as law abiding citizens.”

Together, the pair is pledging alliance to Liberia in hopes of triggering a reconciliation movement. That’s why “We are in” for the reconciliation and reunification of Liberia.

Where do you stand, with us or against us? Are you a patriotic Liberian who’s in, who supports the restoration of Liberia, or our critic who constantly condemns our efforts without a solution?”

THIRTY SIX YEARS AFTER the April 12, 1980 coup, the sons of two key figures, Samuel Kanyon Doe, leader of the coup which ended decades of Americo-Liberian rule and C.Cecil Dennis III are making amends for the past by reaching out to each other in a rare reconciliatory note. Cecil Dennis III, whose father was Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time of the coup announced that Samuel K. Doe Jr., son of the late Doe had reached out to him on Social Media, Facebook.

Dennis III wrote:  “May our fathers’ departure of this earth, and our common interest of peace, bind us stronger together as brothers, regardless of our backgrounds. Today, as Samuel K. Doe Jr, and I plan to talk and subsequently meet, may our common nationalism be the substance of our patriotism.

DOE JR. in an interview with FrontPageAfrica suggests that a special day be set aside for healing: “We need a special day that should be put aside as a holiday so we can remember our horrific past and all the innocent people that have lost their lives throughout the history of our country, whether in the name of revolution or the civil war. Without such recognition of those who lost their lives, Unity may never be complete.”

SINCE THE completion of a report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which recommended among other things that a National Palava Hut Forum be established as a complementary tool for justice and national reconciliation, not much has been done in ways of forging a meaningful and lasting peace and reconciliation plan for Liberia.

THIS IS NOT the first time that families of those killed in the 1980 coup have reached out to each other.

FAMILIES FOR former officials of the Tolbert Government killed in the aftermath of the ’80 coup have been holding memorial services over the past few years.

AT LAST YEAR’S REMEMBRANCE, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf acknowledged: “We have all individually and collectively sinned against God and must work to right the wrongs. I pray that God gives each of us the strength and courage to be a part of the righting the wrongs committed throughout our existence as a nation,”

THE PRESIDENT stressed the need for Liberians to individually and collectively work for reconciliation which she indicated must come from the heart and stay with each of us; adding that each Liberian must look himself/herself in the mirror and say I have done my part to promote reconciliation.

A TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION Commission set up in aftermath of the election of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, was tasked with promoting national peace, security, unity and reconciliation” by investigating gross human rights violations and violations of humanitarian law, sexual violations, and economic crimes that occurred between January 1979 and October 2003.

BUT VERY little have been heard about the recommendations and implementation aspects.

THE MUTUAL FIRST step by two key families, the Doe and the Dennis can mark the start of something special and one we hope will lead to a new beginning of reconciliation and a more radical approach to the implementation of the TRC findings.