LIBERIA – For days Liberia’s Army Chief, Major-General Prince C. Johnson has come under barrels of criticism for a controversial statement. General Johnson said in his statement that the army may be forced to execute its ‘constitutional duties’ to police the country if the Liberia National Police is unable.
According to General Johnson, the army will not preempt by going ahead of the police but, when the situation escalates and the police can no longer handle it, they will step in to restore law and order.
Despite the huge criticism from the public, the General’s controversial statement has gained full support from the Ministry of National Defense. The Ministry in a statement issued in support of General Johnson’s statement clarifies that the “caveat” from the Army Chief on the need to observe the rule of law as citizens of Liberia and a reminder of the Constitutional Roles of the Armed Forces of Liberia as inscribed in the 2008 National Defense Act Chapter 2, Section 2.3 in no way a threat and misapplication of authority.
Chapter 2, Section 2.3 of the Act says the AFL shall intervene as a last resort when the threat exceeds the capacity of the law enforcement agencies.
The Ministry’s statement disclosed that the Armed Forces has instituted several measures and training into its setup to enhance its roles and professionalism before, during, and after the 2023 General Elections as was instituted in past elections.
The MOD’s statement further said: “The AFL will subsequently support paramilitary institutions and other agencies of the National Government if necessary. It is important to note that sustaining democracy, peace, and tranquility is supreme to our mission.”
The Ministry however assured Liberians that the constitutional rights of all will be respected at all times. “There is no need to panic or query the apolitical standing of the current Armed Forces of Liberia,” the statement said. “The AFL remains a Force for Good and will at no time compromise such standing and constitutional responsibilities.
“The AFL will subsequently support paramilitary institutions and other agencies of the National Government if necessary. It is important to note that sustaining democracy, peace, and tranquility is supreme to our mission,” the MOD’s said.
