Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), has pledged his administration’s dedication to bettering the welfare of army personnel, together with higher residing circumstances and an annual recruitment drive to strengthen morale and operational readiness.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
Talking throughout the 69th Armed Forces Day celebration, President Boakai assured troopers that his authorities would supply a extra conducive setting to reinforce each their bodily and psychological well-being.
“The energy of our army lies not solely in coaching and gear but in addition within the welfare of our personnel,” the President mentioned, emphasizing the federal government’s plans to decongest barracks and enhance housing circumstances.
Ongoing renovations are already underway in Margibi and Nimba Counties, with related tasks slated for Bomi and Maryland Counties. President Boakai famous that the Ministry of Nationwide Protection, in collaboration with the Ministries of State and Public Works, would assess present services and provoke new development or refurbishments the place wanted.
“These tasks are greater than infrastructure; they’re investments in dignity, guaranteeing that our troopers and their households reside in protected, respectable, and supportive environments. A soldier who’s dignified at house will defend our nation overseas,” he mentioned.
Strengthening the Armed Forces
President Boakai described Armed Forces Day as an event to honor the braveness, sacrifice, and dedication of troopers who defend Liberia’s sovereignty and democracy. He additionally known as for reflection on the legacy of previous generations whereas renewing the pledge to strengthen the AFL as a pillar of nationwide stability and honor.
Acknowledging challenges reminiscent of excessive attrition charges and the growing old of some personnel, the President introduced that starting in 2026, the federal government will conduct an annual recruitment of 600 personnel, a program set to proceed by way of 2029.
“This recruitment drive isn’t just about numbers; it’s about constructing a power that displays the range, resilience, and aspirations of the Liberian folks,” Boakai mentioned. “This technique ensures that the AFL stays youthful, dynamic, and able to responding to each conventional and rising safety threats.”
Regional and Worldwide Partnerships
The President recommended Main Basic Ali Sabu, Chief of Military Workers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who served as keynote speaker on the celebration, highlighting Nigeria’s historic help for Liberia’s peace and safety.
“Liberia’s safety is inseparable from the safety of West Africa. Nigeria has stood with Liberia in occasions of trial and triumph, providing solidarity, experience, and friendship,” Boakai mentioned. “Peace in a single nation strengthens peace within the area.”
He additionally welcomed Main Basic Thomas D. Waldhauser and the Capstone delegation from america Nationwide Protection College, describing their presence as a testomony to enduring strategic protection partnerships.
“Your attendance displays america’ dedication to safeguarding peace and safety in Liberia and West Africa,” he emphasised.
Keynote Tackle by Nigerian Military Chief
Main Basic Ali Sabu described his function as keynote speaker as a homecoming, recalling his prior service in Liberia.
“This land has performed a major half in my service to Nigeria and Africa,” he mentioned, noting the shut ties he maintained with AFL officers since 2007.
“It’s a second of pleasure to see the younger and vibrant officers we mentored taking cost of Liberia’s protection and safety. Though my duties have taken me elsewhere, I’ve by no means really left. It’s pleasant to witness the AFL serving as a power for good,” Basic Sabu added.
The presence of prime army officers from Nigeria and america on the 69th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) underscores the pivotal roles each nations have performed in Liberia’s transformation from a war-torn nation to a contributor to worldwide peacekeeping efforts.
Throughout Liberia’s First and Second Civil Wars, Nigeria led the Financial Group of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) missions. Nigerian troops constituted the biggest contingent and performed a decisive function in stabilizing battle zones, defending civilians, and supporting the implementation of peace agreements.
Publish-Battle Peacekeeping and Coaching
Following the top of the civil conflict, Nigerian forces continued their involvement underneath the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the place they supplied safety and mentorship to Liberia’s newly restructured safety establishments. Nigerian officers contributed considerably to capability constructing, army professionalism, and management growth throughout the AFL and the broader safety sector. The primary post-war Chief of Workers of the AFL was the late Main Basic Suraj Abdurrahman of the Nigerian Military. As a part of the transitional association, Main Basic Abdurrahman was appointed to guide the newly reconstituted AFL.
The US has additionally remained a key companion in rebuilding and strengthening the AFL. By way of complete coaching packages, the U.S. has targeted on enhancing professionalism, civil-military relations, management, and tactical capabilities. Coaching initiatives have taken place each in Liberia and in america, together with at revered army establishments reminiscent of Fort Benning and the Joint Forces Workers Faculty.
Technical Help and Joint Workouts
Past coaching, america has supplied substantial technical help to modernize the AFL. This help consists of the supply of apparatus, automobiles, uniforms, and logistical assets. U.S.-supported packages emphasize respect for human rights, moral conduct, and operational readiness.
Liberia has additionally participated in joint army workouts, usually facilitated by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). Workouts reminiscent of Obangame Categorical, together with smaller bilateral drills, have strengthened Liberia’s maritime safety capabilities, counterterrorism readiness, and peacekeeping proficiency.
Moreover, U.S. help has enabled Liberia to deploy troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions, reinforcing the nation’s evolving function as a contributor to regional and international stability. The overarching goal stays the event of an expert army power able to defending nationwide sovereignty whereas successfully participating in worldwide peacekeeping operations.
