Monrovia, Liberia – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Defense Minister, the Presidential Security Advisor, and the Commander of the AFL at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), have been summoned by the House of Representatives plenary to testify before the entire assembly on Thursday, July 18, 2024. They want an explanation on why so many AFL troops were stationed at the airport over the weekend among law-abiding residents.
A message from Montserrado County District Nine Representative, Frank Saah Foko prompted the lawmakers to call in the top security officials.
The Montserrado County District 9 Representative said Articles 85 and 86 of the Constitution of Liberia govern the deployment of the Liberian military in emergency periods and therefore prohibit the use of lethal force against Liberian citizens in peacetime.
The National Defense Act of 2008, Section 2.1, gives the Armed Forces of Liberia the authority to “defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Liberia, including land, air, and marine territory, against external aggressions, insurgency, terrorism, and encroachment,” Representative Foko continued.
In addition, he stated that the AFL will assist in responding to natural catastrophes, carry out other civic tasks as needed or deemed appropriate, and collaborate with any international organizations that Liberia is a member of to take part in international peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and other activities.
Lawmaker Foko particularly attempted to bring the Chief of Staff of the AFL, the Defense Minister, and the management of Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Tuesday to give an explanation for the use of military force during the welcome ceremony held by citizens for the former President of Liberia.
He continued continue that the request that the aforementioned representatives attend the Plenary highlights the significance of accountability and openness when it comes to issues involving the use of security personnel in civilian situations.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh briefed the Honorable House of Representatives on the immediate activities leading up to the event at the RIA.
The correspondence further said that the AFL detachment commander took decisive action without notifying his proper superior commander, who would have contacted the AFL High Command.
Photo credit: House of Representative
