Published: October 11, 2024
MONROVIA – The Concerned Widows of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have threatened to disrupt the 2024 Christmas celebration in Monrovia and stage protests at the Executive Mansion, Capitol Building, and military barracks if the Unity Party government fails to pay their long-overdue benefits.
The Concerned Widows of the AFL is a legally recognized organization with over 2,000 members across Liberia’s 15 counties, chaired by Madam Mary Allison. In an exclusive interview with The Liberian Investigator at their Bushrod Island office, Madam Allison expressed frustration at the government’s lack of response to their repeated calls for action. She noted that since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai took office, there has been no opportunity for a meeting with their leadership.
“President Boakai has been in office for nine months now, but he has yet to invite us to discuss how to settle the AFL Widows,” Madam Allison said. She recalled how, during his tenure as Vice President under former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Boakai had told them that his limited powers prevented him from addressing their concerns at that time.
Madam Allison pointed out that widows in neighboring Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast have received significant benefits from their governments in recognition of their husbands’ military service, calling the treatment of the AFL widows by the Liberian government “sad and unfortunate.”
“We are giving the government until November to pay our benefits. If the president fails to do so, I will call all the widows from across the 15 counties to assemble in Monrovia. There will be no Christmas celebration this year. We will block the Capitol Building, the Executive Mansion, and the military barracks,” she warned.
Madam Allison urged President Boakai to disregard rumors or negative portrayals of their institution and focus on addressing their legitimate grievances. She also reminded the president and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung that the majority of the widows hail from Lofa and Nimba counties, which are politically significant regions.
“We’ve been in this struggle for 23 years with no recognition for our husbands, who laid down their lives in defense of this country,” she added. “Many of these old women, mainly Kissi and Lorma, have seen no action from this president, and we don’t know why.”
Madam Allison also shared the recent passing of one of their members who was buried amid the ongoing struggle for benefits. She highlighted that many of the widows lack basic necessities like shelter, healthcare, and school fees for their children.
Additionally, she called on President Boakai to appoint a Director for the Veteran Bureau of the AFL, a position currently vacant. She emphasized that this initiative should be led by Defense Minister Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George, who she accused of failing to address the plight of the veterans.
The AFL Widows are also seeking support from members of the 55th Legislature, particularly Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, both of whom Madam Allison believes have close ties to President Boakai.
“Many of you sit there saying nothing to us, but we are not afraid of anyone—not the Liberia National Police or anyone else—because no one can stop our actions when we’re ready,” she declared.
Madam Allison revealed that each widow is supposed to receive $1,500 as part of an agreement with the previous Coalition for Democratic Change government of George Manneh Weah. She argued that since government is continuous, the current administration has a responsibility to honor this commitment.
In a final warning, the Chairperson vowed that the widows would gather at the Executive Mansion and Capitol Building in Monrovia, where they would sit, cook, and even sleep on the streets if their demands are not met. She stressed that they are ready to lay down their lives for their cause.
“Government officials are receiving huge salaries, some as high as $15,000, but they can’t address our issues. We will ruin Christmas, scatter everything, and demonstrate if they ignore our demands,” she said.
Madam Allison also cautioned the Liberia National Police against using force or teargas during their planned protests. “Any police officer who teargasses or harms any of us will face resistance. If they’re not careful, we will take their own weapons from them because we are trained soldiers too,” she said.
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