Liberia-President Nyuma Boakai’s (JNB) resolve is being put to test by disbanded members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) who have issued a stern ultimatum and even threatened to drag the Government to Court in demand 20 years’ worth of unpaid benefits for their service to the nation.
Liberia-President Nyuma Boakai’s (JNB) resolve is being put to test by disbanded members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) who have issued a stern ultimatum and even threatened to drag the Government to Court in demand 20 years’ worth of unpaid benefits for their service to the nation.
Numbering about 17,000, the former AFL soldiers are claiming illegal disbandment without their deserved benefits.
Retired General William Philip Anderson, National Chair and Commander of the group told a news conference at the weekend of their plans to pursue their case legally through the Supreme Court as initial step in securing long-overdue compensation.
Anderson warned further action, including taking the matter to the ECOWAS Court to increase pressure on the Liberian government, if the Supreme Court fail to deliver justice.
Anderson who is said to be a trained marshal art specialist recalled how they were illegally disbanded during former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, thus forcing the over 17,000 soldiers out of military service, and also leaving them in the state of destitute.
Anderson accused the government of neglect, human rights violations, and a lack of appreciation for the soldiers’ patriotic service in defending national institutions such as the Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, and the Temple of Justice.
He said: “It has been 20 years since the unconstitutional disbandment of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The military statute of limitations has now expired,” Anderson declared. “It is time for our leadership to seek legal recourse at the Supreme Court to address this unconstitutional act, which destroyed our careers, caused untold suffering among our ranks, and subjected us to ongoing injustice.”
Anderson disclosed that members of the disbanded AFL currently receive a monthly stipend of 7,000 Liberian Dollars (L$7,000), approximately USD $30, which he said is often delayed by three to four months.
He added “For decades, the AFL has been politicized and stigmatized despite the sacrifices made by our men and women to defend this nation,”
According to the Disbanded AFL soldiers Chairperson, they played a significant role in securing Liberia during the civil war, ensuring the freedoms and democracy that the country now enjoys, and added “We are the true heroes of Liberia. No one can deny us what we have earned through our service and sacrifices.”
He criticized the low budgetary allocation for them, saying “While government officials earn thousands of dollars, we are left to live in destitution. Hundreds of our comrades have died from homelessness, disease, and hunger because they were evicted from military bases without justification.”
“Are we expected to resolve this issue through military means? Should we seize territories in Liberia?” he asked rhetorically, adding that the current AFL lacks the manpower and tactical expertise to counter their resistance if provoked.
He asserted further “I can order 5,000 to 7,000 men to mobilize, and they will follow my command.”
Anderson however reiterated their commitment to the rule of law, stating, “If the Supreme Court fails to act, I will explore alternative means to bring this crisis to a just and swift resolution.”
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