MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), faces significant criticism for reportedly deploying AFL soldiers during the arrival of former President George Weah at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
On Saturday, July 14, 2024, George Weah returned to Liberia from the United States, greeted by a large crowd of partisans and supporters from the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). However, the presence of AFL soldiers at the airport created panic among the attendees, drawing sharp criticism from CDC partisans, political commentators, and critics of the Boakai administration.
Representative Musa Hassan Bility, Chairman of the opposition Liberty Party (LP) and a vocal critic of President Boakai, condemned the deployment. He wrote, “The incessant and flagrant abuse of power and disregard for our laws must stop. 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. Cease these actions immediately.”
Sekou Kalasco Damaro, a senior member of the CDC, echoed Bility’s sentiments, questioning 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! Mr. Boakai needs to stop creating unnecessary tension in this country.”
Former Representative Acarous Moses Gray, another senior member of the CDC, voiced his concern, stating, “Bringing the AFL out yesterday is a pure reminder of the brutal past. This is a creeping danger.”
Political commentator Dr. Clarence R. Pearson, Sr. also criticized the move, writing, “Playing with the Peace: Wrongful Deployment of AFL. Why did we have armed AFL personnel at the RIA today at the time of the arrival of President George M. Weah? Why was their presence necessary? Why wasn’t it the LNP with the statutory mandate to ensure law and order, if that was the state expectation?”
The deployment has not only raised questions about the appropriateness of using military personnel in such a context but also about the decision-making process within the Boakai administration. Critics argue that the presence of soldiers could be seen as an intimidation tactic rather than a measure for maintaining order, potentially undermining the democratic principles that Liberia is striving to uphold.
Despite the mounting criticism, neither the government nor the authority of the AFL under Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh has issued a statement regarding the soldiers’ deployment at the RIA. Liberians await a response from the government in the soonest possible time.
As the controversy unfolds, the Boakai administration faces growing pressure to explain and justify the deployment of military forces in a civilian context, particularly during the arrival of a prominent political figure like George Weah. The situation stresses the ongoing tensions and challenges in maintaining peace and security in Liberia’s evolving political landscape.
