By: Sylvester Choloplay
Monrovia, Liberia | February 11, 2025
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, President Joseph Boakai, has pledged his administration’s full commitment to improving the welfare of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), directing the Ministry of National Defense to assess and renovate key military barracks across the country.
“I am instructing the Minister of Defense to partner with relevant and line entities to assess military facilities in Harper, Maryland County, Sanniquelle, Nimba County and in Tubmanburg, Bomi County to begin renovation of those barracks”, AFL CIC ordered.
Speaking at the 68th Armed Forces Day celebration at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia, President Boakai acknowledged the long-standing challenges faced by AFL personnel, including inadequate housing, overcrowded barracks, and limited resources for training and recruitment.
“We are exploring various avenues to ensure that our Armed Forces are well-equipped and adequately supported to meet the demands of the critical role they have on their shoulders to play,” President Boakai stated.
“It is in this regard that we have commenced and will continue the renovation of existing military barracks around the country to ease the problem of congestion at the Edward Binyah Kesselly and other functional barracks.”
In a decisive move, the Liberian leader instructed Defense Minister Geraldine George to work with relevant government institutions to assess military facilities in Harper, Maryland County; Sanniquellie, Nimba County; and Tubmanburg, Bomi County, to begin much-needed renovations.
Additionally, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring Todee Military Barracks to its pre-war status.
Reflecting on the early struggles of his administration, President Boakai recalled that his government inherited numerous challenges affecting the AFL shortly after taking office in January 2024.
However, he expressed optimism about the progress made so far and pledged to do more.
“As we can see today, some strides have evidently been made, with a firm commitment to pursue even more. We recognize that addressing these challenges is crucial for the continued strength, effectiveness, and preparedness of our Armed Forces”, he stated.
President Boakai also used the occasion to welcome Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, describing him as a “colleague, friend, and brother.”
He expressed gratitude for the strong military cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone and reaffirmed the importance of regional and international partnerships in strengthening Liberia’s defense sector.
“We are grateful for the partnerships and support from our international allies, which have been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” President Boakai noted.
