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Monrovia, Liberia – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has pledged its continued dedication to fostering national security through active community engagement, civic education, and social development initiatives. Speaking at a one-day symposium marking the 68th Armed Forces Day on Tuesday in Congo Town, Minister of National Defense, Retired Major General Geraldine George, emphasized the AFL’s commitment to ensuring that all Liberians have a voice in shaping the nation’s security landscape.“Based on this background, the AFL will continue to engage with the community through outreach programs, civic education, and social development initiatives,” Minister George stated.
Security as a Shared Responsibility
Addressing the gathering, Major General Davidson Forley, Chief of Staff of the AFL, stressed that security is a collective responsibility that transcends social, economic, and political backgrounds.“It is through effective collaborations, intelligence sharing, and harmonized resources that Liberia can build a safer and more resilient country,” Major General Forley noted.
Call for Constitutional Revisions
Meanwhile, the Acting Chairman of the Governance Commission, Professor Alaric Tokpah, has emphasized the need for constitutional and legal reforms to strengthen Liberia’s democracy.Delivering the keynote address at the symposium, Professor Tokpah argued that democratic sustainability should not rely solely on the goodwill of political leaders. Instead, he insisted that the Liberian Constitution and legal framework must mandate the continuation of democratic practices.“There must be engagement with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable democracy in Liberia,” he asserted.
ECOWAS Commends AFL’s Transparency
In remarks, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, praised the AFL for its openness and engagement with the Liberian society, contrasting it with security institutions in some other West African nations that operate in secrecy.“The sustaining of democracy requires a whole-society approach, and the AFL, as part of this society, has demonstrated commendable efforts in fostering transparency and collaboration,” Ambassador Nkrumah stated.
Armed Forces Day Celebrations Continue
The 68th Armed Forces Day celebrations will continue with a series of events, including:
• Friday, February 7, 2025: Jummat Service at Fish Market, Sinkor
• Saturday, February 8, 2025: Cleanup Campaign starting at Crown Hill, Snapper Hill, Monrovia
• Tuesday, February 11, 2025: Official Celebration at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) at 7 AM
This year’s official Armed Forces Day event will be held under the theme: “Sustaining Peace and Security Through Stakeholder Engagement: The Role of the Armed Forces of Liberia.”
The program will be graced by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who will deliver the keynote address.
With Liberia’s security institutions emphasizing partnerships, constitutional reforms, and civic engagement, the AFL’s 68th anniversary is shaping up as a significant step toward strengthening national security and democratic governance.
