—-Gives Gov’t Ultimatum Again
IPNEWS: In a poignant moment in Monrovia, William Phillip Anderson, former National Chairman and Commander of the disbanded Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), sat down with Her Excellency Josephine Nkrumah, the ECOWAS Ambassador and Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia.
Their conversation centered on the unlawful dissolution of the AFL, an issue that continues to haunt thousands of veterans who now live in extreme hardship.
The AFL was officially disbanded in the wake of Liberia’s civil war, following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2003.
Brokered by ECOWAS, the United Nations, and other international stakeholders, the agreement promised to bring lasting peace to the country, including a restructuring of Liberia’s military forces.
However, Anderson and many other AFL veterans argue that, instead of restructuring, the military was completely dissolved. All weapons were destroyed, and personnel were discharged as civilians, marking what Anderson believes to be a breach of the peace agreement itself.
For over 20 years, the disbandment has left former soldiers without support and, many argue, without justice.
One of the most pressing issues facing the ex-soldiers is the meager stipend of $30 a month that each veteran receives.
This amount, Anderson claims, is far from the pension that was promised to them and is grossly inadequate to meet the needs of their families. “This amount cannot sustain any family,” Anderson said, stressing the urgency of the situation.
In response to this continued injustice, Anderson has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the Liberian government in the Supreme Court.
He also plans to take the case to international human rights bodies, seeking to hold the government accountable for its actions. While he stresses that the veterans are committed to a peaceful resolution, Anderson made it clear that they are prepared to fight for their rights through legal channels. “We don’t want to order 17,800 ex-soldiers to hit the streets of Monrovia,” he explained, “but we can’t ignore the injustice we are facing.”
Anderson’s appeal for justice is not just about money; it is about the broader moral and national implications of how the country treats those who served during the civil conflict. “This issue is not just about money; it’s about justice for those who served this nation,” he said. “We don’t want another war in Liberia. This is about preserving the peace we fought for.”
The struggle of the AFL veterans is more than a financial grievance — it is a matter of the nation’s moral integrity.
Anderson has warned that the failure to address their claims could have lasting consequences for Liberia’s stability and peace. “The fate of our Republic could depend on the resolution of this issue,” he said, urging the people of Liberia to reflect on the sacrifices of the veterans and their rightful claim to dignity and justice.
Throughout their conversation, Anderson expressed his gratitude to Ambassador N’Kruman for her ongoing diplomatic efforts and commitment to peace in Liberia. Her support, he noted, has been crucial in navigating the complexities of the country’s post-war recovery.
As the veterans await the government’s response, Anderson reiterated that their goal is not to disrupt the peace but to seek justice through lawful means. “The support of the Liberian people could determine the fate of our country,” he concluded. “We must ensure that Liberia remains safe, secure, and just for all its citizens.”
