17,000 disbanded AFL soldiers demand 20 years’ pay

Monrovia – The leadership of over 17,000 “illegally” disbanded members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has issued a stern ultimatum, threatening to take the Government of Liberia (GOL) to the Supreme Court to demand 20 years’ worth of unpaid benefits for their service to the nation.

This declaration comes just days before President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is scheduled to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the 55th National Legislature on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Monrovia.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Monrovia, Retired General William Philip Anderson, National Chair and Commander of the group, announced that legal action through the Supreme Court would be their initial step in securing long-overdue compensation. Should the Supreme Court fail to deliver justice, Anderson warned, they would escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court to increase pressure on the Liberian government.

Anderson recounted the alleged illegal disbandment of the AFL under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, which he said forced over 17,000 soldiers out of military service, leaving them destitute and struggling to support their families.

He accused the government of neglect, human rights violations, and a lack of appreciation for the soldiers’ patriotic service in defending national institutions such as the Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, and the Temple of Justice.

“It has been 20 years since the unconstitutional disbandment of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The military statute of limitations has now expired,” Anderson declared. “It is time for our leadership to seek legal recourse at the Supreme Court to address this unconstitutional act, which destroyed our careers, caused untold suffering among our ranks, and subjected us to ongoing injustice.”

Meager Compensation and Stalled Payments

According to Anderson, disbanded AFL members currently receive a monthly stipend of 7,000 Liberian Dollars (L$7,000), approximately USD $30, which is often delayed by three to four months.

“For decades, the AFL has been politicized and stigmatized despite the sacrifices made by our men and women to defend this nation,” he said, noting that such sacrifices were made even during the nation’s most turbulent periods.

Anderson stressed that the disbanded soldiers played a pivotal role in securing Liberia during the civil war, ensuring the freedoms and democracy that the country now enjoys.

“We are the true heroes of Liberia. No one can deny us what we have earned through our service and sacrifices,” he declared.

Government Neglect and Discrimination

The leadership of the disbanded soldiers also criticized the 2024 National Budget, which they claim fails to address the needs of AFL veterans. Anderson decried the lack of provisions for increased pensions and other benefits, questioning how the government expects former soldiers to survive on a mere $30 monthly stipend.

“While government officials earn thousands of dollars, we are left to live in destitution. Hundreds of our comrades have died from homelessness, disease, and hunger because they were evicted from military bases without justification,” Anderson said.

He also criticized the lack of equity in the payment structure, pointing out that generals and privates receive the same meager stipend and that pensions are not provided to soldiers who enlisted as far back as 1990.

Hints of Drastic Measures

Anderson warned that the group’s patience was wearing thin and hinted at their capacity for alternative actions if their demands continue to be ignored.

“Are we expected to resolve this issue through military means? Should we seize territories in Liberia?” he asked rhetorically, adding that the current AFL lacks the manpower and tactical expertise to counter their resistance if provoked.

“I can order 5,000 to 7,000 men to mobilize, and they will follow my command,” he asserted, while emphasizing his preference for legal avenues to resolve the matter.

Despite the mounting frustrations, Anderson reiterated their commitment to the rule of law, stating, “If the Supreme Court fails to act, I will explore alternative means to bring this crisis to a just and swift resolution.”