By Bill W. Cooper
The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has announced that one of its soldiers, Sergeant Bobby Manndeh, allegedly took his life thus sparking speculation and controversy over whether his death was a suicide or a murder.
However, the death news of Sergeant Manneh as pronounced by the AFL over the weekend has sent a panic through the military and the country, thus raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
While suicides in the army are not common, this latest incident reminds Liberians about a similar case that occurred on February 19, 2021 involving Melvin Early, a trained agent of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) during the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Government.
Early, reportedly shot himself in Tappita, Nimba County while on presidential duty during then-President Weah’s county-wide tour.
The EPS stated that Early shot himself at about 6:03am on Friday during that year but Early’s family contested this report, alleging foul play.
A statement issued over the weekend by the AFL’s Public Affairs office, reported that the incident occurred on Thursday, May 30, at approximately 10:45pm while Manndeh was on guard duty at the Edward Binyah Kesselly Barracks in Schiefflin, Lower Margibi County.
The AFL said it notified the Liberian National Police (LNP), and the Homicide Division promptly arrived at the scene to investigate the unfortunate heartbreaking situation that occurred within the army.
Sergeant Manndeh was enlisted in the AFL in 2007 as an infantry soldier and was most recently assigned to the Alpha Company, First Battalion, 23rd Infantry Brigade.
He served with the last batch (9th) of the AFL Contingent in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali from September 2022 to December 2023.
“Sergeant Manndeh was a disciplined, professional, loyal, and dedicated soldier who served with diligence since his enlistment into the AFL,” the statement read.
The AFL has also disclosed that Manndeh’s body is currently at the 14 Military Hospital while the Military Police and the LNP Homicide Division are conducting further investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
“The High Command of the AFL extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and calls on the public to remain calm and trust the AFL and LNP as the investigation continues,” the AFL further said.
Meanwhile, several citizens including political pundits have all raised concerns about the possibility of foul play, pointing to inconsistencies in the reported timeline of events leading to Manndeh’s death.
The citizens, on their various Facebook page meanwhile, further expressed their shock and disbelief at the news of Manndeh’s death, describing him as a loving and devoted soldier who diligently served his honesty and integrity.
They have at the same time called for a full and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing, in order to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice and ensure that they facing justice.
As the investigation into Sergeant Manndeh’s death continues, the debate over whether it was a suicide or a murder rages on and regardless the outcome of the investigation, one thing is certain that the loss of Sergeant Manndeh has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
