Liberia-There seems to be serious discontent among soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia with the delay in their October salary disbursements, something that could result to serious hardship and discomfort to the personnel.
The soldiers are said to be grappling with a delay in October’s salary disbursements, as conveyed in a confidential document. The delay, confirmed by a verbal directive from the Chief of Staff on October 30, 2024, has raised concerns within the military over the potential impact on personnel and their families.
The high command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the hardship it could bring to personnel. According to the document, the AFL leadership is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Defense to address the temporary setback, urging patience and professionalism among the ranks. In the statement, the AFL lauded its soldiers as a “Force for Good,” resilient in the face of adversity, and assured them that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.
Information gathered confirmed that the delay has intensified existing discontent over the military’s pay structure. The pay discrepancies, reportedly set by former Chief of Staff Prince C. Johnson, III, are a growing point of frustration. Soldiers are especially concerned about the minimal pay difference between ranks, such as the US$24 gap between a Captain and a Major, contrasted with the US$600 difference between a Lieutenant Colonel and a Colonel. Adding to this frustration, the allowance for Colonels, at US$900, outstrips the salary of a Major, exacerbating feelings of inequity among officers.
This issue of unequal pay structures has long been a sore point within the ranks, with some soldiers’ wives staging protests in the past against Johnson’s appointment as Minister of Defense. Our sources indicate that the current delays, coupled with these salary discrepancies, have led some soldiers to consider finding side hustles or even leaving the service entirely to better support their families.
Earlier this month, the Concerned Widows of the AFL threatened to disrupt this year’s Christmas celebration in Monrovia and stage protests at the Executive Mansion, Capitol Building, and military barracks if the Unity Party government fails to pay their long-overdue benefits.
The Concerned Widows of the AFL is a legally recognized organization with over 2,000 members across Liberia’s 15 counties, chaired by Madam Mary Allison. In an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator at their Bushrod Island office, Madam Allison expressed frustration at the government’s lack of response to their repeated calls for action. She noted that since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai took office, there has been no opportunity for a meeting with their leadership.
“President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has been in office for nine months now, but he has yet to invite us to discuss how to settle the AFL Widows,” Madam Allison said. She recalled how, during his tenure as Vice President under former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Boakai had told them that his limited powers prevented him from addressing their concerns at that time.
Madam Allison pointed out that widows in neighboring Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast have received significant benefits from their governments in recognition of their husbands’ military service, calling the treatment of the AFL widows by the Liberian government “sad and unfortunate.”
“We are giving the government until November to pay our benefits. If the president fails to do so, I will call all the widows from across the 15 counties to assemble in Monrovia. There will be no Christmas celebration this year. We will block the Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, and the military barracks,” she warned.
Madam Allison urged President Boakai to disregard rumors or negative portrayals of their institution and focus on addressing their legitimate grievances. She also reminded the president and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung that the majority of the widows hail from Lofa and Nimba counties, which are politically significant regions.
“We’ve been in this struggle for 23 years with no recognition for our husbands, who laid down their lives in defense of this country,” she added. “Many of these old women, mainly Kissi and Lorma, have seen no action from this President, and we don’t know why.”
Madam Allison also shared the recent passing of one of their members who was buried amid the ongoing struggle for benefits. She highlighted that many of the widows lack basic necessities like shelter, healthcare, and school fees for their children.
According to Madam Allison, each widow is supposed to receive US$1,500 as part of an agreement with the previous Coalition for Democratic Change government of George Manneh Weah. She argued that since government is continuous, the current administration has a responsibility to honor this commitment.
