By Trokon Nimely
MONROVIA – Former President Amos C. Sawyer and Eddie K. Diggs have publicly commended Moses W. Thomas, a former officer of Liberia’s Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SATU), for his role in protecting civilians during one of the country’s most violent periods. In letters of testimonial, both men highlighted Thomas’s selfless service in safeguarding lives and maintaining stability amid the chaos of Liberia’s civil conflict.
In his November 18, 2013 letter, Sawyer, who led the Interim Government of National Unity from 1990 to 1994, described Thomas as “indispensable” in efforts to save lives, protect individuals of different ethnic backgrounds, and promote ethnic reconciliation during Liberia’s civil war. Sawyer emphasized that Thomas’s commitment extended to protecting the environment in which the government operated, and he urged that Thomas be supported in all his future endeavors.
Eddie K. Diggs, son of the late Bishop Emeritus Ronald J. Diggs of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, shared a similar account of Thomas’s intervention. Writing from New Jersey, Diggs recalled how Thomas, as commander of SATU, safeguarded residents of the Lutheran Church Compound following the massacre at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on July 29, 1990. The church had served as a refuge for thousands displaced by the conflict.
Diggs recounted that men from the Armed Forces of Liberia attempted to raid the compound at night, looting, raping, and harming residents. SATU personnel under Thomas’s command prevented them from entering, ensuring the safety of hundreds of civilians, including Diggs and his family. Some of Thomas’s men lost their lives during these protective efforts, underscoring the risks he and his team faced.
The testimonial letters underline Thomas’s unique contribution during a period marked by ethnic targeting, extrajudicial killings, and widespread violence. Sawyer noted that, despite the dangers, Thomas’s actions helped stabilize the environment and save numerous lives, earning the respect and gratitude of the communities affected by the civil war.
Diggs emphasized that the protection offered by Thomas and SATU personnel spared him and others from the “gruesome acts of the evil men of the civil war.” He described Thomas’s decisions as “sound” and essential to the survival of the displaced residents at the Lutheran Church Compound.
Both testimonies highlight the often-overlooked contributions of individuals within Liberia’s security forces who risked their lives to uphold humanitarian principles during the conflict. Thomas’s intervention not only provided immediate protection but also fostered an environment in which reconciliation and ethnic harmony could begin to take root.
Sawyer’s letter concludes with a call for continued support for Thomas, reflecting a broader recognition of the importance of honoring those who acted courageously in the nation’s darkest hours. Diggs similarly encourages anyone with questions to reach out, offering a direct connection to the historical accounts of SATU’s role in protecting civilians.
The accounts of Sawyer and Diggs serve as a reminder of the complexity of Liberia’s civil war, where acts of courage and humanity coexisted alongside widespread violence and suffering. They also underscore the enduring need for historical recognition and acknowledgment of those who contributed to preserving human life during the conflict.
