Diplomats mourn Liberian Ambassador

Envoys have been paying tributes to the Liberian Ambassador, Rudolf von Ballmoos, who died of a heart attack last week, media reports say.

The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Alistair Harrison said in a fitting eulogy that Von Ballmoos, who also served in London during the Liberian civil war, had “kept the light shining” during Liberia’s darkest days.

Later, as Ambassador to Ghana, Von Ballmoos played a key role in building peace. The Ghanaian High Commissioner to the UK, Victor Smith, said of his good friend that the Ambassador had served his country “with dignity and dedication and will be remembered for his keen sense of cooperation and dialogue.

“The Ambassador contributed immensely to the peace and security of his country and the West African sub-region,” he said in a tribute.

Returning to London last year, Von Ballmoos used all his powers of persuasion during the Ebola crisis to draw Britain’s attention to the plight of Liberia.

The Guinea Ambassador Paul Goa Zoumanigui spoke of the “positive engagement” Von Ballmoos showed working on the Ebola crisis and many regional issues. The two were planning an enhanced platform for consultations among the Mano River Union countries, including Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone.

“God gave, and has taken back. As a believer, we rely on him,” said Ambassador Zoumanigui.

Our condolences go to the Ambassador’s loved ones and his wife Angela at this sad time.