And Peaceful Resolution
PHOTO: Newly confirmed Liberian Defense Min. Rtd. Major Gen. Prince C. Johnson, III
By Our Staff Writer
Monrovia- This year’s Armed Forces Day celebration, which should have officially taken place today, Monday, February 12, 2024, has been disrupted due to protests by spouses of soldiers around Monrovia, prompting concern expressed by the United States Embassy which is calling “for a peaceful resolution and dialogue”.
The official Facebook page of the Ministry of National Defense has not commented on the situation, but the Executive Mansion Facebook page earlier today posted a message announcing the cancellation of official program marking Armed Forces Day, which should have been officially held on Monday, because February 11, 2024 fell on Sunday.
As a result of the protest by the AFL soldier’s wives who are making some demand for areas and other benefits said to be due their husbands in the Liberian military, some major roads have been blocked, thus prompting concern by the US Embassy.
The protest by the soldiers’ spouse comes after a major reshuffle in the AFL by the new President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, replacing Defense Minister Daniel Ziakhan and naming him Ambassador at large, and retiring Chief of Staff Major Gen. Prince C. Johnson, III and nominating him as Defense Minister. Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier Gen. Geraldine George was retired and nominated as Deputy Defense Minister for Operations. It was only at the weekend that the two top Defense officials were confirmed by the Liberian Senate along with the new AFL Chief of Staff Colonel Davidson Forleh who was elevated to the rank of Brigadier General in the army.
On its official Facebook page, the Americans released this short statement on the prevailing situation here:
“The U.S. Embassy is aware of ongoing protests by AFL spouses and the forced closure of major roads throughout greater Monrovia. While the U.S. Embassy supports the right to peaceful protest, blockading roads and impeding the movement of Liberian citizens is disruptive and counterproductive. This is contrary to the respect of democracy and rule of law. We call on all parties to come together for a peaceful resolution and dialogue.”