MONROVIA – On July 13, 2024, the Robert International Airport (RIA) in Monrovia experienced a significant security breach and disruption due to the arrival of former President George Manneh Weah. The incident, which has drawn considerable attention, is detailed in a recent communication from Brigadier General Davidson R. Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), addressed to the Honorable Minister of National Defense.
The report, referenced as HQ AFL/21/G dated July 15, 2024, highlights that a massive crowd of sympathizers and supporters of former President Weah gathered at RIA to welcome him. The sheer volume and enthusiasm of the crowd quickly became uncontrollable, leading to chaotic scenes as individuals attempted to breach the airport terminal. This disturbance caused significant delays and disruptions in the flow of travelers arriving and departing from the airport.
In response to the escalating chaos, the RIA’s security coordinator sought immediate assistance from the AFL detachment commander stationed at the airport. The commander’s swift and decisive intervention helped manage the situation pending the arrival of the Liberian National Police (LNP). However, this action was taken independently, without informing his appropriate superior commander, which would have initiated a strategic assessment and coordination with other security agencies and civil authorities.
In the aftermath of this incident, the Headquarters AFL has undertaken several measures to address the situation and prevent future occurrences. These actions include an in-depth analysis of the incident report to understand the sequence of events and the response effectiveness, the immediate recall of the AFL detachment commander at RIA for further debriefing and assessment, and launching a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the details and identify any procedural lapses or areas for improvement.
The findings from this investigation will be compiled and forwarded to the Ministry of National Defense as soon as they are available. This proactive approach emphasizes the AFL’s commitment to maintaining security and procedural integrity at all times.
This communication, signed by Brigadier General Davidson R. Forleh, has been respectfully forwarded for the Honorable Minister’s information Hon. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah and further directives. The swift actions taken by the AFL highlight the importance of coordinated security efforts and the need for clear communication channels in handling such unprecedented occurrences.
The incident at RIA serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in managing large, spontaneous crowds and the crucial role of security forces in ensuring public safety and order. The AFL’s response and the subsequent investigation will provide valuable insights to bolster future operational protocols and inter-agency coordination.
