MONROVIA – Discontent is growing within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) due to a delay in the disbursement of October salaries, a setback that could bring financial hardship to soldiers and their families. The delay, acknowledged in a recent confidential communication, was confirmed on October 30, 2024, by a verbal directive from the Chief of Staff, which sparked widespread frustration among military personnel.
The AFL High Command expressed regret over the delay, emphasizing the impact it may have on personnel, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting soldiers in navigating this challenge. According to the statement, AFL leadership is actively working alongside the Ministry of Defense to address the temporary setback. The statement urged patience, professionalism, and resilience among personnel, honoring them as a “Force for Good” committed to the nation even in difficult times.
Beyond the delay itself, this latest setback has brought renewed attention to longstanding issues surrounding pay disparities within the AFL. According to internal sources, there is considerable frustration among soldiers over minimal differences in pay between certain ranks. For example, there is a mere US$24 gap in base pay between a Captain and a Major, which pales in comparison to the US$600 difference between a Lieutenant Colonel and a Colonel. Additionally, Colonels receive an allowance of US$900, significantly higher than the monthly salary of a Major, further deepening perceptions of inequity.
This issue has been a source of ongoing tension within the AFL. Under former Chief of Staff Prince C. Johnson, III, soldiers have raised concerns about the fairness of the pay structure, with some even staging protests. The growing sense of discontent has been compounded by the current salary delays, leaving many soldiers questioning the transparency and equity of military compensation policies.
In a formal communication from AFL Headquarters dated October 24, 2024, and signed by Lt. Col. R.T. Jadoe on behalf of the Chief of Staff, the leadership notified personnel of the delay, emphasizing that the situation is temporary and actively being addressed. The communication called on all AFL personnel to exercise patience and professionalism, stating: “Personnel of the AFL have always demonstrated resilience, dedication, and discipline in the face of challenges, and the AFL as a ‘Force for Good’ will overcome this temporary situation together.”
While efforts to resolve the salary delay are underway, the dissatisfaction among soldiers, heightened by pay structure disparities, remains a pressing issue. AFL leadership’s continued efforts to address both the immediate delay and the underlying compensation grievances will be crucial in maintaining morale and unity within Liberia’s armed forces.
