Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The plenary of the House of Representatives has summoned top security officials of the Boakai-Koung Administration regarding the unprecedented deployment of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at Roberts International Airport during the arrival of former President George Weah.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected], Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
Over the weekend, former President Weah and his wife, Mrs. Clar Marie Weah, returned home after a month abroad. A large crowd had gathered at the airport to welcome them. Although the arrival was peaceful, the significant presence of the army raised concerns, with many questioning the motive behind their deployment.
These concerns reached the Legislature, specifically the plenary of the House of Representatives. The House, through a majority vote, summoned top security officials, including Geraldine George, Minister of Defense; Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice; Army Chief of Staff Davidson Korleh; and Atty. Samuel Koffi Woods, President Boakai’s National Security Advisor, to explain the reason behind the army’s deployment.
The decision was triggered by a communication from Rep. Frank Saah Foko Jr. (District #9, Montserrado County), who described the army’s interaction with civilians as “very woeful” and reminiscent of Liberia’s past conflicts.
Rep. Foko stated, “Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, this very woeful scene brought to mind the fresh memory of our dark and ugly past as a country where soldiers were unlawfully deployed to defend the state against rebels. Liberia is not at war, neither are we in a state of turmoil or emergency, which by law should not authorize the military to terrorize peaceful citizens who went to RIA to warmly receive their political leader.”
He cited Articles 85 and 86 of the Constitution of Liberia, which govern the deployment of the military during emergencies, and emphasized that the National Defense Act of 2008 mandates the army to defend against external threats and assist in national emergencies, not to intimidate citizens during peacetime.
Rep. Foko alleged that the Executive, under President Boakai’s direction, created a scene by preventing the former President from using the VIP Lounge, a courtesy due to him as a former head of state. This issue was reportedly raised by His Excellency Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Commission, at a plenary in Nigeria, reflecting poorly on Liberia.
“Hence, it is deeply worrisome, disturbing and a matter of concern to see the military deployed at the airport when there is neither threat of external aggression nor insurgency or any state of emergency, an action that instill fear in the minds of peaceful citizens at the Airport just because they have gone to receive the former Liberian President,” he said.
Chief of staff’s accounts
AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh explained that the RIA’s security coordinator had requested AFL support pending the arrival of the Liberian National Police (LNP).
The communication added that the ‘decisive’ intervention of the AFL detachment commander was done without informing his appropriate superior commander, who would have notified the AFL High Command.
Procedurally, this would have initiated strategic assessment and coordination with other security apparatus and civil authorities. However, the AFL says, based upon the circumstances Headquarters has recalled the commander and initiated an investigation.
Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Jerolinmek Mathew Piah defended the AFL deployment, citing a threat from ex-President Weah’s supporters. He explained that the crowd had threatened to burn down the terminal if not allowed entry, necessitating AFL presence to ensure security. Piah emphasized that President Boakai’s administration prioritizes tourism and that lawlessness would deter tourists.
During the MICAT regular press briefing on Tuesday, July 16, Minister Piah reiterated the need for former President Weah to control his supporters and stressed that security measures were in place to prevent potential threats to national stability.
CDC condemns
The CDC condemned the deployment as unnecessary and provocative, urging their supporters to remain calm. They expressed concerns about the increasing use of force by security forces, warning it could lead to civil disorder. The party intends to address the issue formally with the Ministry of Defense and AFL leadership, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the rule of law and civil liberties.
