PHOTO: (L-R) Brigadier Gen. Josephine George, and Sen. Steve Zargo
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, Intelligence, Veteran Affairs, Senator Steve Zargo has warned about the serious danger poses to Liberia’s national security, amid the increase in the population of at risk youths in the country, commonly referred to as “Zogoes”.
Sen. Zargo observed that Liberia runs the rick as a country, if the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) does not make efforts aimed at recruiting some of the disadvantaged youths into its infantry units.
He made it clear that the number of the disadvantaged youths has increased dramatically more than combined numerical strength of the Liberia National Police and the AFL.
The Senate Defense and National Security Committee Chairmaan made the call when he delivered the keynote speech at the 66th Armed Forces Day symposium organized by the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia in Monrovia early this week (Tuesday) at the Monrovia City Hall.
According to him, these disadvantaged youths have the propensity of creating chaos whenever there is a breakdown of law and order in the country.
Sen. Zargo explained that during the drawdown of the international peace keeping force in Liberia, it was agreed for the AFL numerical strength to be at least 5,000-man force
“How do you expect the Liberian army to engage the estimated population of almost five million plus when its strength is less than 2,000?” the Lofa County Senator asked.
According to him, the biggest task on the plate of security institutions now is to ensure that the 2023 presidential and legislative elections is conducted peacefully.
Some of those who attended the Defense Ministry’s symposium at the MCC
“We, as security institutions, have the responsibility to maintain and sustain the peace by the manner in which engage , speak and interact with one another and on national issues,” Senator Zargo said; adding: “ what do we expect from the AFL when we have not build their capacity to the fullest?” he asked.
“We need to build their capacity to the bench mark of 5,000 strong force than we can demand much from then AFL and expressed the hope that the training of men and women in the military is accelerated.”
For her part, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Brigadier General, Josephine George, said the importance of the symposium cannot not be over emphasized as the country draws nearer to the presidential and legislative election this year.
“As stake holders,” she continued, “it is our responsibility to maintain and sustain the peace in the country in order to improve the lives of the Liberian people .”
Police IG on honouring security officers performing with distinction
In remarks, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police recommended an introduction of national medal awards for officers who performed with distinction in the discharge of his or her duty.
IG Patrick Sadue said this award can be given on a day set aside to recognize the contribution of police offer in the maintenance of peace in the country/
He pointed out that the day can be referred to as law enforcement day but does not necessarily has to be a national holiday.
According to him, this will eventually encourage men and women who are giving their youthfulness and time to the service of the law enforcement agencies in the country.
For his part, the Deputy Defense Minister for Administration, Tibli Dickson, decried the reduction in the budget allotted to the Armed Forces of Liberia in this year proposed national budget.
He said the Liberian army is currently engage in civil-military activities such as the construction of bridges, road and rendering medication to the public
The symposium, under the theme: “Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy,” was graced by officers of the Liberia National Police, the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service, the Liberia Seaport Police, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and the Liberia Immigration Service.