MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Elections Coordinating Committee Chairperson, Cllr. Oscar Bloh is calling on the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to continue to live by its constitutional mandate and not allow themselves to be used by politicians.
Cllr. Bloh who served as a panelist at the AFL 67TH Symposium said:” Liberia’s growing democracy lies in a neutral Armed Forces and not a partisan army.”
He said:” The level of confidence Liberians have reposed in the Liberian Army needs to be maintained in supporting the democratic gains of the Country.”
In remarks, the University of Liberia (UL) President, Julius Nelson, wants Liberians to work along with the AFL in sustaining democracy in Liberia.
Dr. Nelson noted that leaders of the military need to always uphold the Liberian Constitution by rejecting political leaders’ attempts to undermine Liberia’s democratic credentials.
The UL President also wants the Reserve Officer Training Course (ROTC) programs to be strengthened at various Universities and the development of a military science program at the University of Liberia.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Designate, Prince Johnson, has assured Liberians that the Army will remain non-political and live only by legal orders.
Retired Major Gen. Johnson said:” The Liberian Army will no longer interfere with political activities.”
He said the Army will do all within its powers to avoid interfering with activities that are not part of the military code of conduct.
The Defense Minister Designate also appealed for budgetary support to the AFL.
By: Kolubah Zayzay