Liberian Lutheran Churches Welcome Army Apology for 1990 Massacre but Call for Justice

The Lutheran Church in Liberia has long preserved the memory of those killed during the 1990 massacre at the Lutheran Church of San Pedro, urging successive governments to pursue justice and national reconciliation. This year’s commemoration included prayers, memorial ceremonies, and the inauguration of a new memorial in honor of the victims, alongside an official apology from the Armed Forces of Liberia.

Thirty-six years after government soldiers entered the church compound where civilians had sought refuge and opened fire, killing hundreds, the military institution has publicly apologized for the atrocities committed by its predecessor. This marks the first time the military has formally acknowledged responsibility for the abuses under its previous leadership.

Deputy Minister of Defence Oscar Mulbah expressed regret for the dark past, stating, “We regret our dark past” and emphasizing the army’s commitment to the people and the state. The apology was framed as a step toward healing, with the military asserting its loyalty to the rule of law and human dignity.

For survivors gathered at the site of the massacre, the apology carried deep emotional weight. The attack, which killed an estimated 600 men, women, and children, remains one of the most notorious war atrocities in Liberia’s history. It shocked the international community and became a symbol of the indiscriminate violence that characterized the country’s civil wars between 1989 and 2003.

Survivors and church representatives, however, emphasized that the apology alone cannot fully address the trauma or restore justice. Many renewed calls for legislation establishing a War Crimes and Economic Tribunal, arguing that unaccountable recognition cannot heal the nation’s wounds. “The apology is significant because it recognizes what happened,” said survivors’ representatives. “But justice has been delayed for too long.”

The Lutheran Church has spent decades advocating for accountability and reconciliation, preserving the memory of the victims while urging government action. The massacre at San Pedro continues to serve as a painful reminder of the need for justice, mercy, and humble service in the face of historical wrongs. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humility are central to living out our calling.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)