Harry Moniba facts for kids

Dr. Harry Fumba Moniba (born October 22, 1937 – died November 24, 2004) was an important politician from Liberia. He came from Lofa County in the northwestern part of the country. Dr. Moniba served as the Vice President of Liberia from 1984 to September 1990. He was part of the National Democratic Party of Liberia. He also ran for president in the 1997 Liberian elections.

Sadly, Dr. Moniba passed away in a car accident in Michigan, USA, on November 24, 2004. He was planning to run for president again in the 2005 Liberia elections. Liberia held one of its biggest state funerals for him. He was survived by his wife, Minita, and their five children. There was some discussion about where he should be buried. In the end, his family decided to bury him at their home in Monrovia. Two funerals were held for him, one in the United States and one in Liberia. At the U.S. funeral, his wife received an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. This was a special honor, as he was the only Liberian to receive it. A room at the Liberian Embassy in Washington D.C. was named after him in 2007. There is also a primary school in Monrovia, Liberia, named in his honor.

Serving as Vice President

Harry Moniba first served as an interim (temporary) Vice President from 1984 to 1985. Then, he was officially elected as Liberia's Vice President. He held this position from January 6, 1986, until September 1990.

During his time as Vice President, he faced a difficult situation in 1985. He was captured by a group of people who disagreed with the government. They tried to force him to announce the government's resignation on national radio. Dr. Moniba bravely refused to do this. Instead, he gave a famous speech. In his speech, he asked all Liberians to never use violence to solve their problems. He believed in peaceful solutions.

The 1985 general election, where Dr. Moniba was elected, was seen as unfair by some. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who later became President of Liberia, wrote in her book that the election results were "utterly, utterly false." She won a seat as Senator in that election but refused to take it. Many others also protested the widespread election fraud.

A Career in Diplomacy

Dr. Moniba's career included many important roles. Before becoming Vice President, he served as an Ambassador for Liberia. He was the Ambassador to the Court of St. James in London, England. He also served as Ambassador to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Rome, Italy.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Moniba worked in other government positions. He was an Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also directed research at the Ministry of Education in Monrovia. His first diplomatic role was as First Secretary and Consul at the Liberian Embassy. This embassy served both Washington D.C. in the USA and Ottawa, Canada.

Recognized for His Work

Dr. Moniba received an award in 1994 from the Liberian Human Rights Chapter. This award honored his hard work and dedication to respecting human life. The organization noted that he did not support any side in the civil war. They stated that "Moniba always valued equality and justice for all." They felt this award showed that Liberians recognized his efforts to fight against human suffering.

His Educational Journey

Dr. Moniba was a highly educated person. He earned his PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in International Relations and African Studies. He completed this degree at Michigan State University in the United States.

Before his PhD, he earned a Master of Science Degree. This was in Secondary Education, with a focus on Nineteenth Century European Studies. He received this degree from New York University. He also completed post-master's studies in International Relations and European Studies. This was at the State University of New York, New Paltz.

Dr. Moniba earned his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Cuttington University College in Liberia. He graduated with honors, which is called "Cum Laude."