“Don’t Dare Cross That Democratic Red-Line”
PHOTO: Pres. George Manneh Weah speaking at the 46th Armed Forces Day program at the BTC
By Our Staff Writer
A the 46th Armed Forces Day celebration held at the BTC Defense Ministry headquarters over the weekend, Liberian President George Manneh Weah called on the AFL to remain the “People’s Soldiers”, a commitment that the current AFL Chief of Staff, Major General Charles Johnson, II had repeatedly emphasized.
The AFL Commander-In-Chief said that despite the challenges in the country’s growth process, his CDC government “shall continue to make favorable policies to support the Armed Forces to grow in strength and might”, promising further support.
“Equally, our dear soldiers must remain the “People’s Soldiers” as they perform their duties in like manner. I therefore charge Liberians in all walks of life to support the Armed Forces to always conduct its functions as a professional military that serves the collective interest of all Liberians,” the Liberian leader told the country’s national army.
Since the restructuring of the AFL under the Security Sector Reform (SSR) program, the leadership of the new AFL has both demonstrated in words and deeds its commitment to be “a force for good” and apolitical, something that has greatly improved the image of the AFL with many seeing them as the “people’s soldiers”.
AFL Chief of Staff General Johnson has continued to emphasize in his public statements that being apolitical, the army will only “obey lawful orders”.
The AFL high command has always insisted that their loyalty is first and foremost to the Liberian state and not individuals and that the AFL is a professional armed forces which is apolitical.
The new AFL, which prides itself as “a force for good”, has not featured in reports of state security brutality and attacks on Journalists in recent times.
AFL caveat to politicians ahead of elections: “Don’t dare cross that Democratic Red-Line “
Meanwhile, in his 46th Armed Forces Day address, Defense Minister retired Maj/Gen. Daniel Zainkahn praised the Weah government for its support to the AFL in improving the living and working conditions of the men and women in arms.
Minister Zainkahn also expressed gratitude to the international community for supporting the national army.
According to him, the AFL “wouldn’t have reached this far alone without the help of our international partners. To our International Partners, you are pillar in our development drive.”
“We are and will always be appreciative of your continuous support to the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia. Special thanks to the U.S Government, India, China, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana.”
The Defence Minister reechoed the repeated commitments made by the AFL Chief of Staff, General Johnson that the army under their command will remain apolitical.
And as presidential and legislative elections are expected in less than nine months, Minister Zainkahn had a strong message of caution for all political actors in Liberia.
“In this vein, we want to admonish every political actor, irrespective of your political affiliation, to remain peaceful and civil during this heated process. We encourage you to pursue your dreams of becoming whatever you want, but the sad reality is that, your dreams, ego and aspirations, will more often than not, fall short of the collective will of the electorates. Our passionate plea will be, don’t dare cross that Democratic Red-Line beyond the collective will of the people if your dreams fall short by perpetrating violence. You can rest assure, we will stand by the expressed will of the people in line with the constitution of Liberia.”
A US military commander hails professional development of AFL high command
The Commander of the 46 Military Police Command of the United States Army, Maj/Gen. Estrada Pablo, JR, has expressed great satisfaction over the professional development of the Minister of National Defense retired Maj/Gen. Daniel Zainkahn and the Armed Forces of Liberia Chief of Staff, Maj/Gen. Prince C. Johnson, lll.
According to a Defense Ministry release, the US military official stressed that he is proud of the leadership they continue to provide to the new AFL.
Maj/Gen Pablo, who was once a US Army Mentor assigned with the AFL is in the country, is the keynote speaker of this year’s Armed Forces held today, February 11, 2023.
He used his visit to present a certificate of honor in recognition of the outstanding military achievements in their country of Defense Minister Ziankahn and AFL Chief of Staff, Major General Johnson.
It can be recalled that both Minister Ziankahn and Maj/Gen Johnson were admitted into the United States Army Command and General Staff College Hall of Fame last year.