Monrovia – The president of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio has called on the Armed forces of Liberia to be a protector of peace and democracy.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Delivering the keynote address at the 68th Armed Forces Day Celebration, President Bio urged the Armed Forces to remain out of politics and their loyalty to the people, the constitution and the democratic institutions that form the foundation of this great nation.
“In a world where democracy is constantly challenged by forces of division, conflict and instability Ladies and gentlemen, I charged you, the gallant man and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia to stand firm as guardians of the democratic order, uphold the rule of law, defend the constitutional government, remain out of politics and let your loyalty be to the people, the constitution and the democratic institutions that form the foundation of this great nation,” he said.
He added: “History has shown us that when the military aligns with democratic values, nations prosper, when it desists, society falters, your commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and collaboration of civil institutions, not just strengthen Liberia’s democracy, it will set an example for the region and will assure the people of your unwavering dedication to democratic values.”
President Bio, a retired army general in the Sierra Leone military, has led his country both as a military leader and civilian president. While in the army he served as a peacekeeper in Liberia during Liberia’s civil war.
In his address at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia on Tuesday, he said Liberia’s history has been shaped by challenges that tested the resilience and dedication of the country, but the armed forces have stood their ground.
“Through all of these trail and tribulation, one truth remains evidence, sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved, without the commitment of a professional and discipline armed forces.”
The Liberian army was first established as the Liberia Frontier Force in 1908, then transformed to the Armed Forces of Liberia in 1957. The army has a rugged past when it meddled in politics. On April 12, 1980, a group of 17 soldiers stormed the Executive Mansion and killed the president, Wiilliam R. Torlbert and overthrew his government. Several high government officials were rounded up and executed by fire squad following a “kangaroo” trail. Many historians and observers say this was the main reason of the Liberian civil war nine years later. The war would last for 14 years and claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 people and sent thousands more in exile.
President Bio urged the AFL to be an army that serves not only as a protector of national sovereignty, but also as a pillar of democratic governance.
He said: history has shown us that when the military aligns with democratic values, nations prosper, when it desists, society falters, your commitment to professionalism, respect for human rights and collaboration of civil institutions, not just strengthen Liberia’s democracy, it will set an example for the region and will assure the people of your unwavering dedication to democratic values.”
Liberia, like its neighbor Sierra Leone, experienced a devastating civil war that decimated the entire country.
Further in his address, he said: “Let your service be marked integrity, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to peace. Be the shield that protects not the sword that divides, be the force that ensures stability, not the ones that undermines it, comrades, the people of Liberia look to you with trust, the region looks to you with expectation, and history will remember you for your steadfastness in upholding the principles of peace, justice and democracy.”
The event was graced by President Joseph Boakai, senior government officials, the diplomatic corps and top military personnel. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf attended.
