By Mafanta Kromah, Contributing Writer
Incoming Defense Minister Daniel D. Ziankahn has called on the government to provide the necessary support, including budgetary allotment, to the military to enable them to work smoothly in the interest of the nation.
He was speaking earlier this week at a symposium commencing the 61st celebration of Armed Forces Day at the Monrovia City Hall,
The annual commemoration of Armed Forces Day is February 11 each year.
The symposium was held under the Theme: “Safeguarding the Military’s Integrity during Democratic Transitions to Promote Peace and Stability.”
Speaking on the issue of recruiting soldiers into the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the Minister in designate noted that there will be no recruitment until the living conditions of those current militaries are better.
“This new AFL Administration has to ensure that we cater to the welfare of our soldiers by improving their living conditions before any recruitment exercise. Bettering the lives of our servicemen is our utmost focus for now, which means the recruitment process of the AFL is on hold for now,” he stressed.
He continued: “I will not encourage the Chief of Staff of the AFL to recruit even a single soldier when the lives of others that are currently serving their country are not improved, we have to ensure quality life for our soldiers and there is no need to have a very huge army that won’t have a better life conditions.”
The new Defense Minister said others will be encouraged to join the Armed forces when they see the lives of those serving the in the military have the basics and needs provided them.
He maintained that it is not right to recruit soldiers when the living conditions of the present recruits are not perfect, stressing on the lacked of good health care facilities, electricity, logistics, insurance and among others.
The outgoing Chief of Staff of the AFL also explained that much work is needed to be done to improve the lives of the soldiers, not 100 percent at the moment but see to it that they are provided an improved working environment.
Ziankahn asserted that his view to put the recruitment process on hold is not about numbers but having a perfect environment for soldiers to serve their country.
In attendance was the newly confirmed Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah urged the AFL to be neutral in the country’s politics.
At the same time, the incoming Chief of Staff, Prince C. Johnson of the AFL, named by the President, George Manneh Weah assured that the new leadership of the army will ensure an improved environment for the soldiers.
He emphasized that disclosed that the in his administration as Chief of Staff, he they will work to make sure that their administration be one of the best ever in the history of the military in Liberia.
As discussant, there were many panelists including representatives from the Liberia National Bar Association, the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Mission and several other institutions.
They all called for a budgetary allotment for the military that will improve the growth and wellbeing of the servicemen of the nation. They also warned the army to be transparent and accountable to ensure a better protective unit.