MONROVIA – The Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform (CSO Platform) has taken note of a local radio station in Monrovia attempting to politicize the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). This action is malicious and intended to create discord between the army and the people of Liberia.
In a press release, the group says according to sections 8.2 and 8.3 of the National Defense Act of 2008, the AFL is required to uphold democratic values, human rights, and remain politically neutral.
It says AFL should not engage in any political party or similar organization. This recent broadcast was aired on Freedom FM by Abraham Wheon.
Wheon, the presenter and manager of the station, made inflammatory and inciteful comments about the AFL Chief of Staff, Maj Gen. Prince C Johnson III, during the recent October 10, 2023, Presidential and Legislative Elections.
He accused the Chief of Staff of not supporting the president and of dismissing commissioned officers who support the regime.
The CSO Platform and human rights community find these comments troubling, as Freedom FM is owned by Deputy NSA Director Sam Siryon, a staunch regime supporter, which adds credibility to Mr. Wheon’s remarks.
This action, according to the group, goes against the principles of journalism, which aim to serve the greater good of society, and violates the National Defense Act of 2008.
The human rights community and CSO-Platform urged caution among journalists and Liberians, emphasizing that the 20 years of peace celebrated in August should not be compromised for the selfish interests of a few individuals in society.
