MONROVIA – The wives of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have caused the cancellation of the annual celebration of Armed Forces Day in Liberia on February 11.
The day is usually marked as a holiday and celebrated with an event at the BTC, but this year’s festivities were abruptly called off due to protests from the soldiers’ wives. The women have blocked major highways in Monrovia. The women are demanding the removal of the former Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson, who was recently appointed as the Defense Minister in the new administration of President Joseph Boakai.
The women have leveled accusations of corruption and mistreatment of their husbands against Prince Johnson. The soldiers wives are also calling for improved incentives and better housing conditions in the barracks.
As a result of these protests and demands, the planned celebration of Armed Forces Day has been officially canceled.
A government advisory has announced that there will be no formal program at the BTC as originally scheduled. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. will instead lead a delegation to the Edward B. Kesselly Barracks this morning. The media has been urged to take note of these changes and adjust their coverage accordingly.
