MONROVIA — Amid biting inflation and rising hunger in the country, a leaked memo from the High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) reveals an apology to soldiers regarding a delay in salary disbursement for October 2024.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The memo, communicated from the Ministry of Defense (MoD), acknowledges concerns about the potential hardships “the failure of this situation may cause for AFL personnel and their families”.
The memo states, “HQ AFL was informed by MoD of a delay in the disbursement of salaries for the month of October. The High Command of the AFL regrets the situation and is concerned about the potential hardships this delay will cause personnel of the AFL and their dependents.”
The High Command assured personnel that they are actively working with the appropriate authorities to resolve the issue and expedite payments.
Despite the situation, the memo directs all Joint and Special Staff members, as well as Unit Commanders, to inform their respective personnel about the delay, urging them to remain patient and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
“It emphasizes the resilience, dedication, and discipline that AFL personnel have consistently demonstrated in the face of challenges, reaffirming the AFL’s commitment as a “Force for Good.”, the memo stated.
The document, signed by Lt. Col. Jadoe for the Chief of Staff (COS), underscores the High Command’s determination to navigate this temporary setback while reassuring personnel of their importance and value.
AFL personnel grumble over unpaid October salary
Some AFL personnel on Wednesday night complained about the delay in paying their salaries.
The soldiers who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said they and their colleagues are unhappy for the delay in getting their salaries, especially when schools have commenced for academic 2024/2025.
HQ AFL was informed by MoD of a delay in the disbursement of salaries for the month of Oct 24. The High Command of the AFL vide Reference A regrets the situation and is concerned of the potential hardships this delay will cause personnel of the AFL and their dependents. Reference A further indicated that HQ AFL is actively working with the appropriate authorities to resolve this temporary situation and to ensure that payments are made as soon as possible.
High Command, Armed Forces of Liberia
One of the soldiers said, “This is becoming a norm. It was the same way the government delayed the payment of our September salary, and now they’re repeating the same. We don’t understand why President Joseph Boakai and the Chief of Staff have refused to pay our salaries.”
Another soldier said, “We’re tired, but it is quite unfortunate that we can’t complain. We’re being oppressed and cheated, yet there’s no avenue for us to share our grievances. This is getting too much, and I am fed up. I might just resign from the Army if this is how the government would continue to treat us despite sacrificing our time and energy and putting our lives on the stake for this country.”
A third soldier, female personnel, said, “I wonder how the government wants us to be energetic and go about our duty with rigor despite delaying our salaries. It is really sad that only Liberian soldiers suffer such humiliation from their government anywhere across the world. What does it take to pay people that are putting their lives at risk to protect a country with over five million people?”.
Efforts to reach the communication department of the AFL proved futile as of the time of filing this report.
