Monrovia – Former members of the disbanded Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) are speaking out against what they describe as “inadequate pensions and the government’s indifference to their plight.”
By Willie N. Tokpah
These veterans, led by Chairman Captain William Phillip Anderson, have warned that they will take legal action unless their demands are addressed within two weeks.
Captain Anderson, in a statement to the media, highlighted the financial struggles of many veterans, revealing that some receive a meager pension of just US$30 (approximately LD $7,000) per month, which often arrives late.
“How can we survive on such a paltry sum?” Anderson asked. He contrasted this amount with the much higher salaries of government officials, saying, “For twenty years, we have been treated unjustly, and it’s time to demand accountability.”
The veterans, who served the nation during periods of conflict, feel betrayed by successive administrations, particularly the regime of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Anderson stressed that their sacrifices, which included defending vital national institutions, have been largely ignored by the government.
“We fought and bled for this nation, yet our contributions have been disregarded,” Anderson stated. He pointed out that the 2024 National Budget, recently passed by the government, included no provisions for increasing pensions or providing any incentives for veterans, a move that many see as a clear indication of neglect.
In addition to the financial struggles, many of the disbanded AFL personnel face homelessness and serious health issues, further adding to their sense of abandonment by the government.
Anderson expressed frustration at the lack of attention to these pressing concerns, adding, “Why are Generals and enlisted personnel, all unconstitutionally disbanded, receiving the same pension? Why have thousands of those who enlisted in 1990 been denied their due benefits?”
As the veterans prepare to take their case to the Supreme Court, they are determined to restore their dignity and honor. “We are the true heroes of Liberia, and we will not be silenced by any form of cash inducement,” Anderson declared.
The veterans, who number around 17,000, have set a two-week deadline for the government to respond to their demands. Failure to do so, they warn, could result in further unspecified actions. Anderson emphasized that their fight is not just about financial compensation, but about gaining the respect and recognition they feel they rightfully deserve.
The Boakai government now faces increasing pressure to address the veterans’ grievances and avoid a potential legal battle that could become a defining moment in the nation’s history.
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