IPNEWS: The President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defense Mr. Prince C. Johnson.
In his letter, the Minister of National Defense outlined his reasons for his action noting that due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of service men, he has made the decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State.
The President expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.
In another development, the President has instructed the Army to ensure all those impeding the free movement of people and vehicles through actions that blocked major thoroughfares across the country to immediately remove themselves and allow the government to resolve their grievances.
The President is expected to address the nation later this evening.
Earlier, the Minister of National Defense, Prince C. Johnson, resigned following days of unprecedented protest by Wednesday men calling themselves AFL Wives.
The protest spread acrossed six military barracks after authorities of the Ministry of Defense call off a play 67th celebration activities of Armed Forces Day in Monday, February 12,2024.
The resignation came amidst fears for a potential mutiny by officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia, in support ongoing protest action by their wive.s for improved salaries and benefits.
Retired Major General Johnson’s resignation come just days after wives of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia staged road blockades and protests in the capital Monrovia and various parts of the country.
In a communication to President Joseph Boakai Monday afternoon according closed associates, the former Defense Minister stated that he is stepping down for the common good of the country and the institution which he has served for over 18 years.
He mentioned that rumors of misapplication and corruption were all lies so the sole purpose of putting a dent on his character all be she has strived to ensure discipline within the new Liberian Army.
Earlier in the day,U.S. Embassy near Monrovia issued a statement that it was aware of ongoing protests by AFL spouses and the forced closure of major roads throughout greater Monrovia. “While the U.S. Embassy supports the right to peaceful protest, blockading roads and impeding the movement of Liberian citizens is disruptive and counterproductive. This is contrary to the respect of democracy and rule of law. We call on all parties to come together for a peaceful resolution and dialogue.”
Monday, February 12, celebration of Armed Forces Day was abruptly call off after reports emerged that soldiers at various military barracks were staging a none-adherence posture in observance of the Day.
Political observers warned that the potential for the crisis degenerating into a possible mutiny was high.
A long time security expert who served both the U.S. Army and the U.S.. Homeland Security, told IPNEWS that the resignation of Rt.maj. General on political grounds is dangerous to the already unstable region which has witnessed series of military takeovers over the last year.
