By:Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh & Jonah Mulbah
Liberia’s Armed Forces Day celebration, scheduled for February 11, has been cancelled unexpectedly by President Joe Boakei. Liberia’s Executive Mansion had originally planned to celebrate today the 12th after the day falls 11th on Sunday. This decision comes after protests from the spouses of several Liberian soldiers.The celebration was supposed to be Boakei’s first as President, but was canceled last minute.
In recent meetings at his Rehab Office, President Boakei heard concerns and grievances from courageous spouses. These intricate issues primarily revolve around the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks in Schieffelin, encompassing challenges such as insufficient retirement benefits, meagre salaries, corruption, inadequate insurance coverage, limited educational opportunities, substandard housing conditions, lack of electricity, basic social services, and overall neglect of their general well-being. The wives expressed their profound disappointment with the prolonged indifference of the military leadership regarding these matters.
In response, President Boakei, who serves as the esteemed Commander-in-Chief of Liberia’s Armed Forces, empathetically assured the women that their concerns would be meticulously examined to explore potential avenues for resolution. To earnestly address their grievances, the President pledged to establish a committee responsible for conducting an in-depth investigation, the findings of which will be reported within a week. Moreover, in the interim, the Commander-in-Chief has directed the Liberia Electricity Corporation to reinstate electricity within the EBK Barrack, thereby taking immediate action to improve conditions.
Highlighting the ongoing tensions, our dedicated correspondent from EyeWitnessNews Liberia, reporting live from Monrovia, provided riveting coverage of the protest by the women. Despite the President’s engagement with the women, the roadblocks remain steadfast, significantly impacting the movement of ordinary citizens. The persistence of these roadblocks has compelled the President to make the difficult decision of cancelling the annual Armed Forces Day celebrations.
In other significant developments, the Senate of Liberia has recently confirmed the appointment of Retired Major/General Prince Charles Johnson as the new Defense Minister of the Republic. This esteemed position follows his exceptional six-year tenure as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia. Notably, Minister Johnson becomes the second former Chief of Staff to transition to the role of Defense Minister in recent years, succeeding the honourable Daniel D. Ziankahn, Jr.
