The rising sun was gleaming from the bottom of the Atlantic with a humid breeze of disbelief spreading across Monrovia and its environs. The nation woke up once more to an atmosphere of shock and surprise. Almost everyone was in a state of mourning as a result of loss we are yet to get over. Getting over such a loss may not be anytime soon.

I could not just believe that our brother finally said goodbye. Bidding us farewell at such a time as this was too early. It was too soon to have told your many listeners ‘au revoir.’ Death, why couldn’t you spare us this jewel? Death, why couldn’t you spare us this priceless flower? How I hope God would have given us another chance to hear from this conscious voice – a voice of brilliance and radiance.

I had to turn off my radio yesterday when I found out that our brother was no more. My lips were sealed with my head bowing in lamentation. There were too many bleeding hearts in a state of grief and disbelief. It is tough to accept that Mamadee Fanta Diakite has gone to martyrdom. This loss has hit us so hard and torn our happiness apart.

Our generation has lost another great voice of insight and optimism. Without a doubt, Mamadee was a fascinating talk-show host with a lot of charisma and enthusiasm. He was bold in his thoughts and analysis. Mamadee added value to radio broadcasting in Liberia. He truly brought taste to the radio and sense to the discourse. Mamadee was a modest character with a lot of passion for his career.

Even when our views were contrary on issues, he always made available his platform. Death, why couldn’t you spare us this precious gift? Why couldn’t you spare us this intellectual paragon? You have got us on our knees pondering and wondering. Truly, we are once more troubled and distressed by your merciless hands. The snatching away of our brother has left a load of pain with us. This load is too heavy to bear.

While mourning with other comrades in the yard of our fallen compatriot yesterday, I was reminded again that life is an unpredictable journey. The memory of our brother will forever live as he finally goes to rest today. Yes, he was a man with a meek and resilient tone never frightened by what people said about his views. The nation mourns when a conscious voice fades.

We will always remember Mamadee Diakite by this popular and intriguing quotation he coined “The motherland will never fall, Liberia is getting better.” How I hope he could be around to embrace this Liberia he envisaged, but he has played his part with eloquence and intelligence. He has distinctly performed his role on stage. He did all he could to offer his best to our nation and its emerging democracy – This we will always remember as we look forward to a prosperous era!!
Sleep on, Mamadee – sleep on. Bidding you farewell pricks us a lot. Sleep on our talk-show host – sleep on. You deserve a pat on the back. I can imagine how your family feels right now. Our thoughts and hearts are with your mom, wife and kids. Sleep on our lawyer – Sleep on. The nation will forever weep your demise – sleep on. Your journey on earth was worthwhile and enviable. You were a soldier who never ran away from your shadows. Surely, the nation mourns when a conscious voice like yours fades.

Let me conclude in Latin by saying “Diligimus, sed optimum amet” which means in English “We love you, but God loves you best.”

Goodbye, Brother!!!

Featured photo from the Facebook page of Mamadee Fanta Diakite, who died on August 30, 2016