Liberia: Senate to Probe Monday’s “Frightening Security Situation”

The Liberian Senate has taken a significant step in addressing the recent complaints made by the wives of active-duty Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) officers. And in so doing, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Nyomblee Karnga-Lawrence, has formed a special ad-hoc committee comprising nine members to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Monday’s nationwide protests that led to the blocking of major roads by these individuals.

This action by the AFL wives not only hindered the movement of people but also posed a threat to Liberia’s delicate peace. The main objective of this committee is to delve into the situation and identify the key individuals responsible for the wives’ actions.

The committee members include Senators Augustine Chea, Amara Konneh, Darius Dillon, James Biney, Momo Cyrus, Dabah Varpilah, Gble-Gbo Brown, Crayton Duncan, and Francis Dopoe.

One of the major consequences of the AFL wives’ protest was the cancellation of the annual Armed Forces Day celebration, an annual national event held on February 11 to honor the men and women in arms. As a result, the committee has been tasked with exploring the root causes behind this situation and presenting recommendations to prevent its recurrence.

Their recommendations will shape future policy actions aimed at avoiding such national security threats. It is worth noting that the protest emerged as a response to the nomination and confirmation of Major General Johnson (retired) as the Minister of National Defense, replacing the previous Defense Minister Daniel Ziankahn.

Although there were no significant protests against the defense minister-designate during his tenure as Army Chief of Staff, reports suggest that some members of the army and their spouses expressed discontent with the alleged mistreatment they experienced under General Johnson.

In their petition statement to the Liberian Senate, the women called for his nomination to be rejected, noting that if their demand is not met, there will be no Armed Forces Day celebration this year.

There was no major protest against the Defense Minister-designate during his reign as Army Chief of Staff. However, there were reports of disenchantment by some members of the army and their wives over alleged ‘maltreatment’ under the leadership of General Johnson.

“We the wives represented the various military centers including the Camp Tubman Military Barracks in Grand Gedeh County, Gbarnga Military Barracks in Bong County, Todee Military Barracks in Montserrado County, Lofa Military Barracks, Coast Guard and Star Base Military Barracks, the Military Police Barracks at the Smell No Taste, Roberts International AirPort and the home of the 23rd Infantry Brigade, the Edward Beyan Kesseley Military Barracks in Lower Margibi County.

The committee formed by the Senate is expected to present its findings and recommendations promptly. This initiative aims to address the concerns raised by the AFL wives and restore a sense of harmony within the Armed Forces of Liberia.