MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The wives of soldiers in the Armed Forces of Liberia staged a protest yesterday by blocking the main road at Marshall Junction to voice their objection to President Boakai’s plans to change the leadership of the army.
According to sources within the army who spoke on condition of anonymity, the soldiers were prohibited from demonstrating, prompting their wives to take the lead in expressing their concerns.
The protest caught the attention of President Boakai, who arranged a meeting with the women.
However, upon their arrival, the women were met by Boakai’s aides, who announced the official appointments. Major General Prince C. Johnson, the Chief of Staff of the army, was retired and nominated as Minister of the Ministry of Defense, while Brigadier General Geraldine George was also retired and nominated as Deputy Minister for Operations, Ministry of Defense. Additionally, Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn, the former Minister of Defense, was nominated as Ambassador-Designate.
It was also announced that Col. Davidson T. Forleh was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and nominated for Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, with Col. Theophilus Dana nominated as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, subject to Senate confirmation.
These appointments have sparked outrage among some soldiers’ wives, who are vocally objecting to the newly proposed Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff. The situation within the army remains tense, and it is unclear how the tensions will be resolved following these significant leadership changes.
While the soldiers’ wives and members of the AFL await the President’s plans to address their concerns, it has been revealed that the women intend to take their demonstration to the Liberian Senate to persuade them not to confirm the nominees. It is not clear why the new Liberian leader chose to dismantle the AFL. This is a developing story.
