In 2026 Approved National Budget Defense Ministry To Get US$20.7, With US$18.3 Directed To AFL

PHOTO: Officials and soldiers pose for picture at the program marking the graduation of 56 officer-candidates of the AFL

The Liberian government has reportedly increased the allotment of the Ministry of National Defense in the 2026 approved national budget to US$20.7 million, with US$18.3 million directed to the Armed Forces of Liberia.

The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Ngafuan, disclosed that out of this amount, more than 12.7 million United States Dollars covers the salaries for military personnel.

Minister Ngafuan made the disclosure when he delivered the keynote speech at the program marking the graduation of 56 officer-candidates of the Armed Forces of Liberia at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia on Monday.

According to Minister Ngafuan, the budget of the Liberian army will always increase annually as fun ding will progress every year.

Remarking during the program, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Davidson Forley, said it is mandate to increase the strength of the Liberian army to its pre-war numerical strength.

According to Major General Forley, the current numerical strength of the Armed Forces of Liberia is about a brigade but did not make any mention of the number of soldiers.

The numerical strength of the Armed Forces of Liberia before the Liberian civil conflict was about five thousands and the numerical strength of standard brigade of any army is between 3,000 to 5,000 in umber backed by the latest mechanized equipment.

Meanwhile, the Minister of National Defense has admonished newly graduated officer-corps of the Armed Forces of Liberia that is not a symbol of privilege but a burden of responsivity.

Remarking during the graduation of officer- candidates of the Armed Forces of Liberia, National Defense Minister, Geraldine George, cautioned the officers of their loyalty to the civilian authority and the Liberian Constitution.

According to Minister George, the Liberian government through the Ministry of National Defense remains committed in seeking the welfare of all men and women in the Armed Forces of Liberia.

The program, which was held at the grandstand at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, was graced by the top brass of the Armed Forces of Liberia, senior officials from the Ministry of National Defense, members of the National Legislature and relatives and families of the graduates