President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has requested a toned-down observation of the country’s Armed Forces Day amidst persistent demonstrations by the wives and widows of Armed Forces personnel. The protesters have been urging President Boakai to reconsider the nomination of former Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. (Retired) Prince C. Johnson III as Minister of Defense.
The women have been staging protests for the past two days, disrupting major routes including the main road to the country’s only international airport, and have threatened to disrupt the scheduled celebration if their demands are not met.
In response, President Boakai has issued a directive for a reduced program marking the observance of the 67th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day. He plans to lead officials on a visit with the Armed Forces at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barrack in Schieffelin, Margibi County.
President Boakai met with the aggrieved women to address their grievances. The women outlined challenges including retirement benefits, low salary, corruption, lack of adequate insurance, education, poor housing, lack of electricity, social services, and overall welfare at the barracks. President Boakai assured the women that their grievances would be thoroughly investigated and constituted a committee to probe into the matter and provide a report within a week. He took immediate steps to address some of their concerns, including restoring electricity at the barracks and declaring a tuition-free policy for the local school.
The women have been protesting against the nomination of the former Defense Minister, accusing him of inhumane treatment and corruption during his tenure as Army Chief of Staff. They have accused him of not remitting all the monies and benefits of AFL soldiers on UN peacekeeping missions abroad, unfair employment practices, and the lack of a sound retirement policy.
Their protests have drawn the attention of the government and the international community, as they blocked major roads, including the route to the international airport, attracting the presence of the ECOWAS Resident Representative and the Police Inspector General. Despite engaging with these officials, the women continued their protest until Vice President Koung intervened.
The women have emphasized that the dismissal of General Johnson is essential as they believe he lacks interest in the welfare of former and current soldiers.
The President’s decision to scale back the Armed Forces Day celebration and engage with the protesters reflects a commitment to address their concerns and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation.
