President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting Liberia’s Armed Forces, pledging to improve the welfare, infrastructure, and operational capacity of the military.
Speaking at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia on the occasion of the 68th Armed Forces Day, the Liberian leader paid tribute to the gallant men and women who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and security.
The event, graced by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio as Guest of Honor, brought together government officials, military personnel, and international partners to commemorate the sacrifices and service of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). President Boakai extended a warm welcome to his Sierra Leonean counterpart, acknowledging his distinguished military background and the historic ties between the two nations.
“Let me extend special heartfelt welcome and gratitude to you, Colleague and Friend, President Bio, for this great honor you do us by your presence here today,” President Boakai stated. “As you know, you are home away from home, just as I felt when you warmly received me in Sierra Leone recently.”
In his remarks, President Boakai acknowledged the persisting challenges facing the AFL, including inadequate housing, insufficient budgetary allocations for recruitment and training, and constraints in welfare support for military personnel. He stressed that despite these obstacles, the nation’s servicemen and women have remained resolute, performing their duties with professionalism, honor, and excellence.
“The birth pains of our Administration at about this time last year found manifestation in the mound of challenges facing our men and women in arms that we had inherited less than a month earlier,” President Boakai noted. “As we can see today, some strides have evidently been made, with a firm commitment to pursue even more.”
To address the issue of overcrowded barracks, President Boakai announced the commencement of renovation works at existing military facilities. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of military personnel stationed at the Edward Binyah Kesselly Barracks and other functional installations across the country.
“While efforts are being made to renovate the Todee Military Barracks and restore it to its pre-war status, I am instructing the Minister of Defense to partner with relevant and line entities to assess military facilities in Harper, Maryland County, Sanniquellie, Nimba County, and in Tubmanburg, Bomi County to begin renovation of those barracks,” he directed.
The Liberian leader acknowledged the crucial role of international partners in strengthening the AFL, noting that foreign collaborations have been instrumental in enhancing military capabilities through training, logistical support, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that continued cooperation with allies will help Liberia build a modern and responsive armed force.
“We are grateful for the partnerships and support from our international allies, which have been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” President Boakai said. “Collaborative efforts and shared resources will continue to play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges and advancing our national defense agenda.”
Expressing gratitude to the AFL for their unwavering dedication, President Boakai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the military remains a formidable and professional force. He urged soldiers to remain steadfast in their mission, assuring them that his administration is fully committed to their welfare and operational efficiency.
“To the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your service. Your bravery and dedication inspire us all,” he declared. “As you stand guard at our borders, protect our airspace, and secure our waters, know that the entire nation stands with you in solidarity and support.”
President Boakai concluded his address by urging Liberians to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the past by upholding the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism. He expressed optimism that the AFL will continue to evolve into a stronger and more resilient force capable of safeguarding the nation’s future.
“Together, we are on course to build stronger, more resilient Armed Forces that will never falter in their duty to safeguard our nation’s territory and future,” he affirmed. “Hurrah to such an exuberant and immaculate Force for Good that you are!”
The AFL Day festivities mark the first full-fledged celebration of the military since Boakai took office.
Boakai had ordered the 2024 events pared down following the February 7th protest, when the wives of AFL soldiers blocked the Bong Mines Bridge in Bong County to protest the appointment of then Chief of Staff Prince Charles Johnson as Minister of Defense.
Protestors cited “inhumane treatment” of army personnel by Johnson and former Defense Minister Daniel Ziankan as the cause of their dissent.
Boakai later accepted Johnson’s resignation from the post, in a move that seemed to some a capitulation in the face of mutiny. He later appointed Johnson as head of the National Security Agency.
