By Precious D. Freeman
The leadership of over 17,000 Liberians who are purporting to be disbanded members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and are threatening to reach the Supreme Court with an allegation of 20 years unpaid benefits, have issued an ultimatum to the government.
They made the threats at the heels of President Joseph Boakai’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for today, January 27, 2025.
At a press conference on Friday, the group’s National Chairperson, Retired General William Philip Anderson, who announced plans to seek legal recourse through the Supreme Court warned that if justice is not served, the group will elevate the matter to the ECOWAS Court.
Commander Anderson detailed the alleged illegal disbandment of the AFL under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, which left over 17,000 soldiers destitute while accusing the government of neglecting veterans and violating their rights.
“It has been 20 years since the unconstitutional disbandment of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The military statute of limitations has now expired,” Anderson said. “It is time to address this unconstitutional act, which destroyed our careers, caused untold suffering, and subjected us to ongoing injustice.”
Disbanded AFL members currently receive a monthly stipend of L$7,000 an equivalent of approximately US$35 which Anderson described as insufficient and often delayed by months.
“For decades, the AFL has been politicized and stigmatized despite our sacrifices during the nation’s most turbulent periods,” he said, noting that the disbanded soldiers had defended Liberia during the civil war and ensured the democracy the nation now enjoys.
Anderson criticized the 2024 National Budget for failing to address the needs of AFL veterans, highlighting the absence of increased pensions or other benefits.
“While government officials earn thousands of dollars, we are left to live in destitution. Hundreds of our comrades have died from homelessness, disease, and hunger,” Anderson lamented.
He also decried the lack of equity in payments, noting that generals and privates receive the same stipend, with no pensions for soldiers who enlisted as early as 1990.
In a fiery statement, Anderson warned that the group’s patience was wearing thin. He said in their capacity, there will be alternatives if their demands continue to be ignored.
“Are we expected to resolve this issue through military means? Should we seize territories in Liberia?” he asked, asserting his ability to mobilize thousands of men if necessary.
Despite the strong threats, Anderson reaffirmed the group’s commitment to pursuing legal avenues first. “If the Supreme Court fails to act, I will explore alternative means to bring this crisis to a just and swift resolution,” he concluded.
Though 20 years is a sensationally unfair estimate, the ultimatum places additional pressure on President Boakai’s administration ahead of another Armed Forces Day celebration.
