Explain the role played by Tipoteh and Baccus Matthew in the 1980 coup of Liberia
Togba-Nah Tipoteh and Gabriel Baccus Matthew were key figures in the 1980 coup in Liberia that overthrew the government of President William R. Tolbert Jr. Here is an explanation of the role played by each of them:
1. Togba-Nah Tipoteh:
Tipoteh was a prominent Liberian economist and political activist who had been critical of the Tolbert government's economic policies. He was the leader of the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA), a leftist political group that advocated for social and economic justice in Liberia. Tipoteh played a crucial role in mobilizing public discontent against the Tolbert government and in organizing protests and strikes.
During the 1980 coup, Tipoteh acted as a political adviser and strategist to Sergeant Samuel Doe, the leader of the military junta that seized power. He was considered one of the civilian ideologues behind the coup and provided guidance on economic and social policies. Tipoteh was instrumental in shaping the early policies of the new military government, especially in areas of economic reform and restructuring.
Following the coup, Tipoteh served as Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs in the People's Redemption Council (PRC), the ruling body established by the military junta. However, he later became estranged from the Doe administration due to policy disagreements and allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
2. Gabriel Baccus Matthew:
Gabriel Baccus Matthew was a military officer and one of the main organizers of the 1980 coup. He was a junior army officer who, along with Samuel Doe and a group of other non-commissioned officers, planned and executed the overthrow of President Tolbert. Matthew's role in the coup was primarily military in nature.
During the coup, Matthew led a group of soldiers in storming the Executive Mansion, the presidential residence, in Monrovia. They arrested President Tolbert and several other high-ranking government officials. Matthew was involved in the initial capturing and securing of key government buildings and installations. After the successful coup, he became a key member of the People's Redemption Council and held various positions within the military administration.
However, Matthew's relationship with Doe deteriorated over time, leading to his removal from government positions. He was accused of plotting a coup against Doe in 1985 and subsequently imprisoned, tortured, and executed.
In summary, Togba-Nah Tipoteh played a significant role in mobilizing public dissent and providing political advice to the military junta during the 1980 coup in Liberia. Gabriel Baccus Matthew was a military officer involved in planning and executing the coup, but he later faced a fallout with the new government.