“AFL Continues to Exemplify Attributes of True Servicemen”

The Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, President George Weah has claim that the “nation stands proud of the countless contributions of the  military to the peace and development of the country and the world at large.”

Weah said the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) can boast of tremendous successes emanating from the support of the Government and the level of training assistance provided by the country’s foreign partners.

The President made the remarks on  December 22 at the AFL initial entry training of nine graduation ceremonies held at the Barclay Training Center which was attended by family members, local and international partners, senior government officials and heads of other security apparatuses. 

Weah said he was particularly proud of the AFL's contribution to the United Nations Missions in Mali, South Sudan, the Republic of Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Our soldiers must be seen as ‘Soldiers of the People’ as they perform their duties. Let me assure you that my Government is committed to providing, as much as is possible within our budgetary constraints, all of the necessary support to ensure that the Armed Forces of Liberia is, and remains, a ‘Force for Good’," Weah said.

Weah however said his Government has ensured regular increments in the budget of the Ministry of National Defense over the years and will continue to see that the Armed Forces of Liberia receives the additional budgetary allocations necessary to continue its recruitment and training process in 2023, in order to augment the strength of the Forces.

“You have demonstrated a keen sense of patriotism and regimentation as servicemen bearing the flag that binds us together as a country. Despite the numerous challenges you face, you have stayed the course and have remained committed to endeavoring through the first phase of training. We inspire you to withstand the next phase of your advanced Individual Training.  We are proud of you,” Weah said.

He said during his first Armed Forces Day message, he promised to construct a hospital for the Military, which would cater to the health needs of our Men and Women in Arms and their families but many thought that the project was too ambitious and farfetched to ever be completed and today, the 14th Military Hospital in Duazohn, Margibi County has been dedicated and opened for business.

“Let me also extend my gratitude to the 24 Officer Candidates present here with us today, who are still undergoing training at the Officer Candidate School at Tubman Military Academy in Camp Todee. I encourage you to remain focused and persevere through your military career as you learn to lead by example,” he said.

According to him, again, on February 11, he also promised the construction of 25 extra housing units and the renovation of the current military infrastructure for our Men and Women in arms. 

“As we speak, the renovations have been completed and the construction of the 25 housing units is ongoing simultaneously. These are intended to enhance the welfare of our troops and their family members,” Weah said.

“Today, I join our citizens in acknowledging and appreciating the loyalty, dedication, and commitment of the gallant men and women of the graduating Class 09, and all those serving in the Liberian Armed Forces in our country. Our country salutes you, as heroes and heroines of our time,” Weah said.

The Minister of National Defense, Maj. General Daniel Dee Ziankahn Jr., said the gathering to observe the graduation of men and women of the AFL was another milestone aimed at continuous support to the Armed Forces of Liberia.

Ziankahn said the onus is on him as Minister of National Defense based on the Ministry of National Defense Act of 2008, to recruit and retain a strong and ready force for Liberia.

“I am grateful to the President for his unflinching support to our military and today’s occasion is a clear manifestation of such support,” he said.

He lauded the Legislature, especially both Houses’ committees on Defense, Security and Intelligence, for their oversight and guidance which continued to position the Armed Forces of Liberia as a ‘Force for Good.”