MONROVIA – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, stated that the deployment of AFL soldiers during former President George Weah’s arrival at Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Saturday, July 13, 2024, was unauthorized by the AFL high command. The army chief made the clarification today at the Capitol Building, fueling a growing controversy over the incident.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah defended the government’s actions, claiming that members of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) allegedly threatened to burn down the airport if they were not allowed to welcome former President George Weah. Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Minister Piah stated that a crowd of CDC supporters attempted to force their way onto the runway to greet Weah. Due to these threats, AFL officers, along with the Police and Emergency Response Unit (ERU), intervened to manage the situation.
Minister Piah urged former President Weah to advise his supporters to maintain peace and avoid actions that could cause chaos and confusion. However, the deployment has drawn significant criticism from various political figures and commentators.
Representative Musa Hassan Bility, Chairman of the opposition Liberty Party (LP), condemned the deployment, labeling it an abuse of power. “Deploying the army during the arrival of a former President, who is now an active politician, is unacceptable. We will not remain silent in the face of such egregious actions. It’s time to prioritize the peace and security of our country,” he stated.
Sekou Kalasco Damaro, a senior CDC member, questioned the necessity of the AFL’s presence. “How does the arrival of His Excellency George Weah pose any security threat to the country that Mr. Boakai will deploy the Military at the airport? This is troubling for the stability of the country and the democratic gains that have been made!” he exclaimed.
Former Representative Acarous Moses Gray and political commentator Dr. Clarence R. Pearson, Sr. also voiced their concerns. Dr. Pearson criticized the deployment, asking why the statutory mandate of the Liberia National Police (LNP) wasn’t sufficient for maintaining order.
The Boakai administration is now under pressure to justify the decision to deploy military forces in this civilian context, especially during the arrival of a prominent political figure like George Weah. Critics argue that the presence of soldiers may be perceived as an intimidation tactic rather than a measure for maintaining order, potentially undermining Liberia’s democratic principles.
Despite the backlash, the government and AFL have yet to issue further statements regarding the incident. As the controversy unfolds, the Boakai administration faces growing demands to explain and justify its actions, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace and security in Liberia’s political landscape.
