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Liberian politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Francois Eugene Massaquoi (died 16 April 2001) was a Liberian warlord and politician. Massaquoi led the Lofa Defense Force during the First Liberian Civil War, and later became a government minister. He died in 2001 under mysterious circumstances.
Hon. Francois Eugene Massaquoi | |
---|---|
Minister of Youth and Sports | |
In office 1995–2001 | |
Personal details | |
Died | 16 April 2001 Gbarnga |
Alma mater | New York University |
Massaquoi belonged to the Loma people.[1] Arriving in the United States in 1965, he studied economics at New York University.[2][3] In 1960s the discothèque The Church (later renamed 'Sanctuary' for administrative reasons) opened in Hell's Kitchen in the building that today houses the Westside Theatre, with a concept based on stark irreligous themes created by Massaquoi.[4] Massaquoi and his wife Carolyn ran a food importation business in New York in the 1970s.[2] Back in Liberia he worked as a civil servant during the William Tolbert and Samuel Doe governments.[5]
He founded the LDF militia in 1991.[5] During the First Liberian Civil War, Massaquoi's LDF fought against the forces of ULIMO over control of Lofa County.[3][5]
In December 1994 Massaquoi was one of the signatories of the Accra Clarification Agreement, a peace agreement that was never implemented.[6] Likewise he signed the Abuja I Accord in August 1995, which allowed for the entry of LDF into the government.[6] Massaquoi was named Minister of Youth and Sports in the Liberia National Transitional Government from September 1995 to August 1997.[1] In December 1996 a group of LDF soldiers arrived in Monrovia and physically assaulted Massaquoi, accusing him of not providing support for his former fighters.[7]
During the 1997 Liberian general election Massaquoi belonged to the National Democratic Party of Liberia.[1] After the election he was again named Minister of Youth and Sports.[1][8]
Massaquoi died on April 16, 2001.[9] Reportedly, during a visit to Voinjama Massaquoi's helicopter came under gunfire. Massaquoi died later at hospital in Gbarnga after arrival there.[10] President Charles Taylor announced the creation of a commission to investigate the circumstances of Massaquoi's death, but the announcement was met with skepticism in Liberia at the time.[11]
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