Monrovia – The Minister of Defense, Rtd. Maj. Gen. Denial Ziankahn has hinted that the Armed Forces of Liberia would not hesitate to move in to restore order should any political party “cross the democratic redline” should they feel disenchanted after the October elections.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)[email protected]
The Defense Minister made the caveat on February 11 during the observance of the 66th Armed Forces of Liberia Day.
He called on political actors to remain civil throughout the electoral process and accept the will of the people.
He, however, assured the public that the Armed Forces of Liberia will remain apolitical during and after the elections.
“I want to admonish every political actor irrespective of their political affiliation to remain peaceful and civil during the heated process. We encourage you to pursue your dreams of becoming whatever you want to be, but the sad reality is that your dreams, eagerness, and aspirations will more often than not fall short of the collective will of the electoral,” Minister Ziankahn said.
He added: “Our passionate plea will be don’t dare cross the democratic red line beyond the collective will of the people, if your dream falls short. We will stand by the expressed will of the people in line with the Constitution of Liberia.”
This is not the first time a top official of the Liberian army has expressed the army’s readiness to deal with any electoral mishap that might occur during or after the October elections.
Last December, the Chief of Staff of the army, Maj. Prince C. Johnson, III, warned that the Armed Forces of Liberia will be on the alert for possible misconduct during the 2023 legislative and presidential elections, warning that persons arrested will face the full brunt of the law.
“A caveat to whosoever may feel or is disenchanted as we approach the 2023 elections should use the court system as was seen in the 2017 Presidential and 2020 midterm Senatorial elections. Anyone involved in unlawful act during and after the 2023 presidential elections will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the even marking the Armed Forces Day celebration, President Geroge Weah said investments made in the Army Creates a “Safe Society” Ahead of the 2023 Elections.
President George Weah at the same time said, with the level of support given to the security sector by his government and development partners over the last five years, Liberians can be reassured of a safe and secure society ahead of the October 2023 election.
According to President Weah, despite limited resources, he has taken the bold decision to change things and restore what he termed as public confidence in the military.
“The investment we have made in our military and our security sector with the strong support of our partners has given all of us the reassurance of a safe and secure society as we get closer to the General and Presidential elections that will take place this year,” President Weah said over the weekend.
President Weah called on men in arms to continuously work in the interest of all Liberians.
He at the same time stressed that Liberians should see the Armed Forces of Liberia as a true representation of the Liberian people.
“Liberians from all walks of life should support the Armed Forces to always conduct its functions as a professional military that serves the collective interest of all Liberians,” President Weah said.
He added: “We understand that there will be challenges in the performance of our duties. However, we ask all Liberians to continuously see the Armed Forces as a true representation of the Liberian people.”
President Weah praised the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia for what he termed as excellent leadership they have manifested in making the Armed Forces of Liberia a force for good.
He also appreciated the Legislature for their continued support of the Armed Forces of Liberia and the entire security sector.
President Weah furthers that the AFL is significantly involved in infrastructural development in the country to ensure it contributes its quota to meeting the needs of Liberians while at the same time conducting its security operations.
“I must say that the Armed Forces has lived up to this opportunity and has been instrumental to numerous infrastructural development efforts of the Government so far,” the Liberian Leader said.
He added that the Engineer Company of AFL has been actively involved in the construction and reconditioning of feeder roads and bridges, as well as pedestrian walkways in some towns and villages of our country.
“These projects are well-structured and up to international standards,” he added.
President Weah continued: “Also significant was the medical outreach offered to the Liberian people by the Armed Forces in Po River, and the clean-up campaign undertaken by the Armed Forces personnel in Du Port Road Community as part of the Armed Forces Day Celebrations.”