By Lincoln G. Peters
President George Manneh Weah has urged the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and other security agencies across the country to strengthen the country’s border control mechanism.
Addressing the military during Liberia’s 66th Armed Forces Day celebration, President Weah urged the military and other state security forces not to waiver to protect the country against extremism and the consequences of terrorism.
At the same time, President Weah urged the AFL and other security apparatus to remain vigilant against the negative that could affect the peace and stability of the nation and the people.
“There are unique capacities that the AFL can bring in supporting civil authority, particularly in our development efforts as a nation,” he said.
“First, and foremost, we must continue to strengthen our border control mechanisms, and remain vigilant against the negatives that could affect the peace and stability of our nation and people,” he said.
As Commander-in-Chief of the AFL, President Weah said he has implicit confidence in the ability of the Liberian troops and security forces to effectively execute their duties.
He said he has progressively monitored the achievements of the Armed Forces of Liberia and he has no doubt that it is on the right path to greatness, both locally and in the international community.
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According to him, today, the Liberian Flag is being carried proudly by AFL soldiers in the troubled regions of Timbuktu, the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of South Sudan.
He noted that other countries where Liberian troops are making contributions to peacekeeping include the Republic of Guinea Bissau and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“These are all very Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) missions. Our hearts go out to them, and we look forward to proudly receiving them safely back home at the end of their missions,” said President Weah.
“Let me thank Major General Daniel Ziankahn (Rtd.), the Minister of National Defense, and his able team for the excellent leadership they have manifested in making our Armed Forces a “Force for Good,” he continued.
He said the diligence and dedication in transforming the military have earned the defense authorities credibility and respectability both at home and abroad.
In the same vein, he thanked Major General Prince C. Johnson, III, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, for his outstanding leadership and sense of discipline and direction that has engendered the confidence of the Liberian people.
President Weah also thanked and appreciated all members of the Armed Forces of Liberia for their discipline, dedication to duty, and commitment to the responsibility of protecting territorial integrity.
He also thanked them for the gallantry exhibited in executing their missions and tasks wherever they are deployed.
President Weah said despite the challenges in the growth process, they shall continue to make favorable policies to support the Armed Forces to grow in strength and might.
He stated that they will continue to look into the future with new hope and aspirations as they expand their efforts, adding that they understand that there will be challenges in the performance of their duties.
“However, we ask all Liberians to continuously see the Armed Forces as a true representation of the Liberian people,” said President Weah.
“Equally, our dear soldiers must remain the “People’s Soldiers” as they perform their duties in like manner.”
He charged Liberians from all walks of life to support the Armed Forces to always conduct its functions as a professional military that serves the collective interest of all Liberians.
He noted that the challenges faced today as a Nation are an embodiment of the path that his government began about five years ago.
He said the government has taken bold decisions to change things and restore public confidence in the military and security sectors.
H explained that it has not been easy to achieve this, especially when viewed against a backdrop of limited resources and technical inefficiencies.
He stated that the investments they have made in the military and the security sectors, with the strong support of partners, have given all of the reassurance of a safe and secure society.
“To the members of the National Legislature, we also extend our deep appreciation for upholding your constitutional mandates in supporting the Armed Forces of Liberia,” said President Weah.
“At the same time, I commend the Defense Committees in both the House of Representatives and the House of Senate. Thank you for your support to the Armed Forces of Liberia in many forms.”
As a responsive government, he said the administration will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure the best for the Armed Forces.
On Saturday, 11 February 2023, Liberia observed the 66th Armed Forces Day as a national holiday.
The day is a celebration each year in recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of troops of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
The day was set aside by an Act of the Liberian Legislature.
The 66th Armed Forces Day celebration was held at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) barrack in Monrovia and brought together several members of the Diplomatic Community, government officials, and civil society groupings.
