Liberia President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia George Manneh Weah has reaffirmed his confidence in the abilities of the Armed Forces of Liberia and other security forces of the country.
Speaking at the 66th Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Barclay Training Center on Camp Johnson Road in Monrovia the Liberian leader has progressively monitored the achievements of the Armed Forces of Liberia and does not doubt that it is on the right path to greatness, both locally and in the international community.
There are unique capacities that the AFL can bring in supporting civil authority, particularly in our development efforts as a nation. First, and foremost, we must continue to strengthen our border control mechanisms, and remain vigilant against the negatives that could affect the peace and stability of our nation and people” he noted.
According to President Weah, Liberians must not waiver to protect themselves against extremism and the consequences of terrorism through better information and ensuring effective coordination and preparedness between and among the military and civilian law enforcement agencies, against any action that could affect our peace, security, and stability.
“Today, our flag is being carried proudly by our soldiers in the troubled regions of Timbuktu, the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan. Other countries where our troops are making contributions to peacekeeping include the Republic of Guinea Bissau and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are all very Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) missions. Our hearts go out to them, and we look forward to proudly receiving them safely back home at the end of their missions” the Commander-in-Chief said.
President Weah however disclosed that despite the challenges in the growth process of the military, his government will continue to make favorable policies to support the Armed Forces to grow in strength and might.
“We will continue to look into the future with new hope and aspirations as we expand our efforts. 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” he noted.
The President also called on the soldiers to remain “People’s Soldiers” as they perform their duties in like manner and charge Liberians from all walks of life to support the Armed Forces to always conduct its functions as a professional military that serves the collective interest of all Liberians.
“I wish to thank all members of the Armed Forces of Liberia – a “Force for Good” – for your discipline, dedication to duty, and commitment to the responsibility of protecting our territorial integrity, and for the gallantry exhibited by you in executing your missions and tasks wherever you are deployed” he ended.
President Weah however honored two retired members of the Armed Forces of Liberia with Distinguished Service Orders (DSO).
Those honored include Colonel Washington N. Bowier, a retired professional military Pilot of the Armed Forces of Liberia, a certified flight and ground instructor as well as Lieutenant Colonel Nathanial N. P. Nah, Sr. also a retired professional military Pilot of the Armed Forces of Liberia and a certified military aircraft auto-machine and trained airport safety engineer who served the AFL from 1981-2005.
For his part, the keynote speaker of the 66th Armed Forces of Liberia celebration Major General Pablo Estrada, Commanding General of the 46th Military Police Command of the Michigan National Guard of the USA lauded President Weah and his government for maintaining the peace in the country over the past years.
Major General Estrada however stressed the need for continued partnership between the US government and Liberia
