The AFL, in a statement said the decision is for the “Good of the Service” and for conduct not in keeping with AFL standards.
Monrovia – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has announced that its high command has discharged three personnel from the army for their involvement with illegal drugs – Cocaine, Kush, and Marijuana.
The AFL, in a statement said the decision is for the “Good of the Service” and for conduct not in keeping with AFL standards, and conduct which contravenes the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. The action to expel the officer is in accordance with Section 7 of the National Defense Act of 2008.
The discharged personnel include First Lieutenant (1Lt) Abraham Dolo (OF/2017-177), Private First Class (PFC) Kerkula Rocheforte (EN/2015-08/2367) and Private (Pvt) Essa Bility (EN/2022-09/2561).
First Lieutenant Abraham Dolo
The AFL statement discharged 1Lt Abraham Dolo enlisted as a Private in the AFL in 2009, became a Second Lieutenant in 2017, and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 2020. He was last assigned to the 23rd Infantry Brigade.
In February 2024, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder by a friend at a local drinking spot in the Baptist Seminary, Paynesville Area, using Lt. Dolo’s firearm.
According to the statement, Lt. Dolo admitted to the Liberian National Police and AFL Military Police that he had been intoxicated and left his firearm unattended while using the restroom. A subsequent medical examination tested him positive for marijuana.
The statement added that the order to discharge Dolo came from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Private First Class Kerkula Rocheforte
Discharged PFC Kerkula Rocheforte enlisted in 2015 and was last assigned to the AFL Engineer Battalion in Gbarnga, Bong County. According to the AFL, Rocheforte was found in possession of 32 wraps of Kush drugs in the Barracks and later tested positive for marijuana at the 14 Military Hospital.
The authority for this administrative discharge is the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.
Private Essa Bility
Discharged Pvt Essa Bility enlisted in October 2022 and was last assigned to the Armed Forces Training Command. Pvt. Bility tested positive for four different illegal substances, including cocaine and marijuana.
The release said the order to discharge Bility came from the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
It can be recalled that on June 21, 2024, Staff Sergeant Mohammed Rogers was also administratively discharged under Section 7.7(j) of the National Defense Act of 2008.
The authority for this administrative discharge is the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.
“The High Command of the AFL reminds its members of the “zero tolerance” policy on drug abuse and the importance of discipline, which is fundamental to national duty. Impunity will not be tolerated within our noble institution. The High Command reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism as a “Force for Good.”
Liberia’s Drug Trafficking and Use
Although Liberia is not a producer of illicit narcotics, the country’s weak law enforcement capacity, porous border controls, and proximity to major drug transit routes contribute to drug trafficking within and through its borders. Local drug use, particularly of marijuana, is very common. Other prevalent drugs include heroin (mostly smoked) and cocaine (snorted). Local authorities have reported an increasing prevalence of amphetamine-type stimulants and intravenous drugs.
While there is no accurate data on overall drug use in Liberia, the United Nations Population Fund estimates that at least 20% of young people in Liberia are using substances, including kush.
