Monrovia – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of National Defense has presented a check of US$70,000 to the family of the late Ousmane Sherriff who was killed on a peace-keeping mission in Mali.
Presenting the check to the late Corporal Sheriff’s wife and daughter, Fatim and Fatumata Sherif on Tuesday, May 29 at the Ministry of Defense, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Prince C. Johnson, III said, the presentation served as a closure of the benefits the family has been receiving from the Government of Liberia and the United Nations.
The Army Chief of Staff noted that although life is priceless, the gesture serves as the AFL and the United Nations’ family way of appreciating the ultimate sacrifices their fallen hero made towards Liberia and world peace.
He hailed the sacrifices made by the fallen AFL soldier and lauded the men and women of the AFL for their sacrifice in Mali and pledged the army’s support to the family whenever they are called upon.
He also disclosed that plans are underway for the family or the Government to travel New York to receive an award from the United Nations for the Corporal’s role towards international peace.
“It is important to note that life is priceless, but this is the way of his appreciation to the family. We can assure you that the AFL will always stand with you despite Ousmane is no more around. So, whenever you need our support, call on us,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response, a family member Boakai Sherrif thanked the United Nations and the Liberian Government for recognizing the role their son has played,
Corporal Ousmane was a highly dedicated citizen-soldier who served his country. His dedication to service led him to form part of the peacekeeping mission sent to help the West African Country of Mali to defend against extremist jihadist militants.
It m Corporal Sheriff Ousmane the first Liberian combat soldier to be killed in active duty since the restructuring of the AFL in 2006. He was murdered in May 2017 in Timbuktu.
Liberia deployed its first platoon of soldiers as part of the peacekeeping troops of the United Nations Mission in Mali, with the second and third deployed on June 25, 2015, and September 2, 2016, respectively.