Monrovia – The President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, has issued a call for increased budgetary support to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), describing the current size of the country’s military as inadequate for a population of over five million.
By Victoria G. Wesseh
Speaking at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) on Wednesday, July 23 during a ceremony marking the promotion of several AFL officers, Cllr. Varmah said it is unacceptable for a sovereign nation of more than 5.2 million people to rely on an army of fewer than 2,000 soldiers.
He stressed that such a limited force presents not only a national security concern but a strategic vulnerability.
“It is simply unacceptable that a sovereign country with a population of over 5.2 million people is served by an army of barely 2,000 soldiers,” Cllr. Varmah stated. “This is not only a security gap but a strategic vulnerability that must be urgently addressed through concrete policy and fiscal interventions.”
While commending the AFL for its professionalism, discipline, and loyalty to the nation, he noted that even the most dedicated and well-trained military cannot be expected to fulfill national defense obligations with such limited manpower.
He warned that the country’s long-standing peace and stability could be at risk if adequate investments are not made in the defense sector.
Cllr. Varmah called on the Liberian Legislature, the Ministry of Defense, and national budgetary authorities to prioritize increased funding for the AFL in upcoming fiscal years. He emphasized that strengthening the military is not only a matter of national pride but a necessity in the face of mounting regional insecurity.
“In an increasingly unstable regional environment, where terrorism, transnational crimes, and political unrest are on the rise, Liberia must invest now in the strength and readiness of its armed forces,” he said. “The peace we enjoy today cannot be taken for granted.”
He further explained that the LNBA, as part of its commitment to national security, good governance, and the rule of law, will continue advocating for reforms and raising public awareness about the importance of building sustainable national defense infrastructure.
The BTC event, held in the heart of Monrovia, was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, high-ranking military officers, and civil society representatives. The occasion celebrated the achievements of several AFL officers whose promotions were recognized as a result of their hard work and dedication.
In a related development, the LNBA also extended commendations to President Joseph Boakai for nominating Cllr. Boakai Kanneh to the Supreme Court as an Associate Justice. The Bar president described the nomination as a step in the right direction toward strengthening Liberia’s judiciary and ensuring accountability within the legal system.
The LNBA reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with all branches of government to promote an effective, accessible, and accountable justice system. The Bar further pledged to continue defending the rule of law and supporting the integrity of Liberia’s democratic institutions.
“We look forward to the confirmation of Cllr. Kanneh and his contributions to the dispensation of justice in Liberia,” Cllr. Varmah said.
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