The Government of Liberia (GOL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United Nations (UN) to strengthen the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), mainly with the presence of the army at UN peacekeeping missions.
In his sixth State-of-the-Nation Address, President Weah disclosed that his government has continued to build the operational and administrative capabilities of the Armed Forces of Liberia in order to ensure that it remains a “Force for Good”. “In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that the government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations to strengthen our troop presence with the UN Peacekeeping Missions.”
President Weah said, “Last year we continued the rotation of troops to Mali as part of Liberia’s commitment to the United Nations peacekeeping operations in that country.
“This, together with other activities that were carried out during the period under review, is further demonstration of our commitment to change the story of the Liberian military. Let me thank you, Honorable Lawmakers, for the passage of the Uniform Code of Military Justice into law. This will go a long way in ensuring that we have a force that is first and foremost accountable to the Liberian people.”
Meanwhile, President Weah has, by Proclamation, declared Saturday, February 11, 2023, as “Armed Forces Day.” The Day is to be observed throughout the Republic as a national holiday.
The Proclamation further directs all public, business houses and government offices to be closed on that day, and military and paramilitary organizations within the Republic to organize and execute appropriate programs, parades and ceremonies in recognition of the day.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, this year’s Armed Forces Day marks the sixty-sixth anniversary and will be celebrated at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) under the theme, “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections”.
The Proclamation further informs that Major General Pablo Estrada, Jr., Commander of the 46 Military Police Command, Lansing, Michigan, United States Army, will serve as the Guest Speaker.
The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia declaring the 11th day of February of each year as Armed Forces Day, to be observed as a national holiday.
The release further noted that the Armed Forces Day celebration is in recognition of the vital role the Armed Forces of Liberia plays in defending and protecting Liberia’s territorial integrity and its people from foreign aggression and upholding the social and political liberty of the people of Liberia as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of Liberia.
According to the Presidential Proclamation, special attention and honor will be given to the veterans of the Army and the Coast Guard who have seen active and experienced, actual service therein.
“With the passage of the National Defense Act Of 2008, the Armed Forces of Liberia remain steadfast in supporting the foundation for long-term security and economic development in Liberia as well as fostering regional peace through peacekeeping missions for the consolidation of enhancing and strengthening democracy throughout the region,” the Presidential Proclamation declares.
The Proclamation stresses that with the view to inculcate a sense of loyalty and patriotism in the citizens of the nation, as well as to recognize the immense and sacrificial services rendered by the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia, for the protection of a free and democratic state, the government of the Republic of Liberia found it necessary to recognize the talents, services, patriotism, loyalty and gallantry for the upkeep of this noble heritage by those men and women who are now memorialized through the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as ordered by the Act of the National Legislature of Liberia of 22nd July 2008.
The release further quotes the Proclamation as saying that, with the professional development of the men and women in arms, the Armed Forces of Liberia has been reinvigorated to discharge its Constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the Liberian borders, including being vigilant for possible foreign aggression against the state, as well as directly and technically engaged in road construction efforts, international peacekeeping in Mali, Sudan, South Sudan and other sector initiative across the country.