The Struggle Continues: A Farewell to Marty Varney Alieu Jarsey

On the 17th of March, 1883, Fredrick Engels, a long standing companion of Karl Marx delivered these piercing words at the gravesite of his fallen Comrade: "On the 14th of March, at a quarter to three in the afternoon, the greatest living thinker ceased to think. He had been left alone for scarcely two minutes, and when we came back we found him in his armchair, peacefully gone to sleep -- but forever. An immeasurable loss has been sustained both by the militant proletariat of Europe and America, and by historical science, in the death of this man. The gap that has been left by the departure of this mighty spirit will soon enough make itself felt".

Reflecting on these words of Engels, we seize this moment to pay our revolutionary homage and bid farewell to a man who, if not the greatest, was one of the greatest student's leader Africa has produced. The name Varney Alieu Jarsey first crossed my receptive ears, when I made the conscious decision to join ranks with the comrades of the Student Unification Party (SUP) in the struggle for justice and equality. I had attended an activity of SUP and was expressing my admiration for Leroy Archie Ponpon, a regular discussant of global politics under the political palava hut of the University of Liberia. It was then that Cde. Melekeh Wuo Gbuapaye, a courageous brother and ideologue asked me, “but Taylor, have you heard about Varney Alieu Jarsey alias Putin?” My response was a resounding no. Cde. Melekeh immediately narrated the historical typology of President Varney and encouraged me to religiously listen and follow his teachings. It was from that great moment that I started to follow the life and work of our fallen martyr, Varney Alieu Jarsey of glorious memory.

President Varney Alieu Jarsey was a staunch ideologue and a fearless leader who believed deeply in the collective struggles of all oppressed peoples of the world. Many days, he spoke with courage about the brouhaha facing humanity: from Liberia to Congo, and the Sahel, to the righteous struggle of the Palestinian people, Pres. Jarsey articulated his views of these struggles fearlessly. His admiration for Russia, China, and Cuba was profound. He often recalled the revolutionary defiance of the Cuban people despite decades of economic embargo, and the role of the Cuban Revolutionary Army in the battles of Cuito Cuanavale.

What I admired most of him was his fraternal spirit; his deepest regards for all who dared to struggle against vices that have kept society in a state of decadence and economic paralysis. I reminisce vividly, upon posting of my final clearance for graduation in 2024, after long years of struggles and perseverance at the University of Liberia, the first person to call and express congratulatory message was Varney Alieu Jarsey.

I recalled these words “congratulations my soldier. You have been nothing but a disciplined cadre over the years. In lieu of your staunch commitment to the struggles, I am offering you the opportunity to join me here at the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), to advance the cause of students across the continent. Find me so we can finalize our discussion”. After my graduation, I immediately proceeded to the Office of the President of the All-Africa Students Union to meet Varney. He warmly received me and appointed me, with immediate effect as the "Director of Communication and Research" in his office. Under his guidance, I had an opportunity to practice the theory I have learned and much more about administrative disciplined. He valued dialogue and respected differing opinions. Yes, there were moments of disagreement, but anyone who truly knew Varney understood that debates and intellectual arguments were a defining trait that he carried.

Admittedly, my time of volunteering as Communication Director in the office of Varney was impactful and rewarding. It offered moments of past reflection and vision for the future. Where I stand today in pursuit of further education is deeply owed to the opportunity provided me by Varney Jarsey. It pains me that he didn't even get to know that I have departed Liberia for studies due to the severity of his illness upon my preparation to leave Liberia. However, we promise to make a maximum use of this opportunity in honor of his memory.

President Varney was a genuine revolutionary of the homeland. In his short life, he managed to touch meaningfully the lives of those who encountered him. As an undisputed students general, he was never afraid to face the consequences of his convictions. It was this very courage that led to the grand conspiracy that saw him unjustly confined behind the rusty bars of the Monrovia Central Prison. It was there that he created the complications that have led to his demise. His departure leaves a great void in the struggle for self-determination and redemption. Rarely have I seen anyone in our contemporary era dedicate the entirety of his life to the just cause of students. From the Student’s Representative Council (SRC) of the Stella Maris Polytechnic University to the formation of the Student’s Reformist Party (SRP) to radical service as the president of the Liberia National Student’s Union (LINSU), and the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), Varney deeply championed the welfare of students. This legacy is etched in the historical hall of fame.

As we bid farewell to our fallen general, it is vital to remember his unfinished dreams. At the expiry of his tenure as the president of AASU, Varney envisioned building a radical movement to unite the people and progressive comrades for the true redemption of the motherland. He dream of establishing a progressive radio station to challenge the oppressive system in Liberia and amplify the voice of the marginalized. As we lay our leader to rest, its incumbent upon us to ensure his dreams of a progressive homeland is attained in our lifetime. It’s a daunting task but our duty is greater.

Finally, in the immortal words of Ernesto Che Guevara, "wherever death will surprise us, let it be most welcome if our battle cries have reached even one receptive ear, and another hand reaches out to pick up our arms." The teachings of President Varney have resonated well with us and we bid him a revolutionary farewell until we meet again. Until then, kindly convey our revolutionary salutations to Cdes. Wuo Garbi Tarpiah, Irine Nipson, Solomom Kalushi Mahlangu, and all progressive comrades in martyrdom! Viva!! The struggle continues.

About the Author:
Augustine F. Taylor, Jr. is the former Director of Communication and Research in the Office of the President of the All-Africa Students’ Union. He is also a former student leader at the University of Liberia and has diligently served the Student Unification Party (SUP) in various capacities. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (BPA). He can be reached on WhatsApp at +231 880623348 or via email at [email protected].