MONROVIA, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has expressed the nation’s condolences following the death of Grand Mufti Dr. Abubakar Sumaworo Kanneh, one of Liberia’s most respected Islamic scholars and religious leaders.
In an official statement, President Boakai paid tribute to the Grand Mufti’s lifelong dedication to religious scholarship, moral leadership and service to Liberia’s Muslim community. Dr. Kanneh passed away in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on July 29, marking the end of a distinguished career that earned him widespread respect across religious and civic communities.
The President praised Dr. Kanneh for his humility, commitment to peace and efforts to promote unity among Liberians of different faiths. He noted that the Grand Mufti’s leadership extended beyond the Muslim community, contributing to national dialogue, social harmony and interfaith cooperation throughout Liberia.
As the country’s highest-ranking Islamic religious authority, Dr. Kanneh played a central role in providing spiritual guidance, supporting community development and representing Liberia’s Muslim population on matters of national importance. His passing is expected to prompt a leadership transition within Liberia’s Islamic institutions as religious leaders begin the process of selecting his successor.
President Boakai extended heartfelt condolences to the late Grand Mufti’s family, the National Muslim Council of Liberia and the country’s Muslim community, while encouraging Liberians to remember his legacy of faith, compassion and public service.
The government also acknowledged the important role religious leaders continue to play in fostering national unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among Liberia’s diverse religious communities.
Why it matters: Grand Mufti Dr. Abubakar Sumaworo Kanneh was one of Liberia’s most influential religious leaders, and his passing marks a significant moment for the country’s Islamic community. The transition to new religious leadership will be closely watched, while his legacy is expected to continue shaping interfaith dialogue, community engagement and religious harmony throughout Liberia.