— As Pres. Boakai Appoints Acting Defense Minister, But U.S. Embassy Raises Uneasiness โAFL Wivesโ Protest
IPNEWS: The House of Representatives held an emergency leadership meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, to address the ongoing and persistent protests by the wives of Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) personnel. The meeting was convened with the aim of collaboratively working with the Executive branch to find a resolution to the concerns raised by the AFL Wives.
A release from the House Press and Public says recognizing the importance of a swift and comprehensive response to the grievances presented by the AFL Wives, the House of Representatives, as the elected representatives of the Liberian people, is committed to fostering dialogue and finding effective solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
The leadership of the House acknowledges the significance of the Armed Forces of Liberia and the sacrifices made by its members in safeguarding the nation’s security.
Understanding the challenges faced by the AFL Wives, the House is dedicated to working in the best interest of all Liberians and ensuring that the issues at hand are resolved in a fair and just manner.
The House of Representatives emphasizes its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability.
The emergency leadership meeting reflects the sense of urgency and responsibility with which the House approaches the current situation, and it underscores the importance of collaboration between the legislative and executive branches of the government.
In the spirit of unity and national harmony, the House of Representatives calls for calm and restraint from all parties involved, urging them to engage constructively in the ongoing dialogue process.
The House remains optimistic that through open communication and a collaborative approach, a resolution that serves the best interests of the AFL Wives and the nation as a whole can be achieved.
The House of Representatives will continue to update the public on the progress made in addressing the concerns raised by the AFL Wives and remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Liberia.
In related development, Brigadier General Geraldine George has been appointed as acting Minister of Defense at the Ministry of National Defense by H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr , president of the Republic of Liberia.
Her appointment came hours after the resignation of General Prince C. Johnson lll as Defense Minister due to a Nationwide Protest led by women believe to be wives of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
The president has at the same time ordered an investigation into what led to the protest with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy near Monrovia has termed as disruptive and counterproductive the blockading of roads and impeding the movement of citizens by spouses of the Armed Forces of Liberia servicemen across the country.
It can be recalled that some women under the umbrella, โArmy Wives Association of Liberiaโ blocked major roads nationwide in their quest for President Joseph Boakai to dismiss the recently confirmed Defense Minister Prince Charles Johnson on allegations of corruption and others.
Their plea was answered by Mr. Johnson and submitted his letter of resignation to President Boakai as the Liberian leader in return lauded him for his step and termed him as a patriot.
But responding to the actions demonstrated by those women, the US Embassy in a release Monday, February 12, 2024, noted that it supports the right to peaceful protest but blockading roads and stopping free movement of other citizens amounts to disruption.
The U.S. Embassy said it is aware of ongoing protests by AFL spouses and the forced closure of major roads throughout greater Monrovia.
The statement stressed that the action of the ladies was contrary to the respect of democracy and rule of law as the embassy called on all parties to come together for a peaceful resolution and dialogue.
