The Ministry of National Defense (MOD) wants to clarify media reports involving altercations between personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and citizens of Wainsue, Bong County.
Reports have mentioned that some AFL personnel allegedly manhandled some citizens of Wainsue on May 19 and 20, 2017. The AFL personnel allegedly involved also have their version of the story: Some citizens of Wainsue assaulted them.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Defense was officially informed by the Superintendent of Bong County, Hon. Selena Polson Mappy, and the Representative of District 3, Bong County, Rep. George S. Mulbah Sr. respectively.
Upon receiving information about the alleged dispute, Honorable Saint Jerome Larbelee, Deputy Defense Minister for Operations, visited Gbarnga where he met with the citizens involved in the alleged disagreement. Hon. Larbelee promised, both local government officials and those alleging that they were beaten, that the HhhhHonorable Minister of National Defense, Brownie J. Samukai Jr., has instructed the High Command of the AFL to probe the incident and those found guilty will be dealt with expeditiously according to the Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Based on the claims and counterclaims, the Ministry of National Defense has instructed the AFL to conduct a full-fledged independent investigation into this troubling saga that will actually reveal what happened at Wainsue between the citizens and personnel of the AFL.
This is an isolated incident that involved some personnel of the AFL and can in no way denigrate the good image that the AFL has built over the years. The AFL as a “force for good” is striving to safeguard Liberia’s peace and as such will support no act absolutely whatsoever that seeks to disturb the peace that Liberians now enjoy.
The AFL personnel have received countless trainings that have enable them to foster the protection of human rights and esteem the essence of human existence over the years; thus, contributing to Liberia being where it is now. As an institution, the High Command AFL will not accept or allow any of its personnel to perpetrate brutality against any peaceful Liberian in this age and dispensation.
