“No Way A Threat And Misapplication Of Authority”–Defense Ministry, AFL Clarify Chief Of Staff’s Statement

The Ministry of National Defense/Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has clarified that the statement made on December 6, 2022 by the Chief of Staff of the army, Maj/Gen. Prince C. Johnson, III, 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 (AFL) was in no way a threat and misapplication of authority.

   According to the Defense Ministry/AFL, Chapter 2, Section 2.3 of the 2008 National Defense Act says “…The AFL shall intervene as a last resort when the threat exceeds the capacity of the law enforcement agencies…”

   A statement issued over the weekend by the ministry says, “The Ministry of National Defense/Armed Forces of Liberia ardently assures the general public that the Constitutional rights of all Liberians will be respected at all times and that there is no need to panic or query the apolitical standing of the current Armed Forces of Liberia. The Force remains a ‘Force for Good’, and will at no time compromise such standing and constitutional responsibilities.”

   The statement disclosed that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has instituted several measures and trainings into its setup to enhance its roles and professionalism before, during and after the 2023 General Elections as was instituted in past elections and to subsequently support paramilitary institutions and other agencies of the government if necessary.

   “It is important to note that sustaining democracy, peace and tranquility is supreme to our mission,” the statement maintained.