MONROVIA: As the much-anticipated Presidential and Legislative elections fast approach, the Minister of National Defense, Major/General Daniel Ziankahn (Rtd.), has assured the Liberian Nation that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) will stand by the popular will of the Liberian people.
Minister Ziankahn has, therefore, cautioned political actors across the country to, irrespective of their political affiliations, remain peaceful and civil during the country’s electioneering era.
Retired General Ziankahn also encouraged political stakeholders to pursue their dreams of becoming whatever they want to be, but emphasized that they must act peacefully and in the ambit of the laws of Liberia.
He also warned politicians that “their dreams, egos, and aspirations should not fall short of the collective will of the Liberian people or electorate.
The Defense boss stressed that the AFL will stand by the expressed will of the Liberian people in line with the Constitution of Liberia during the October Elections.
“Our passionate plea will be, don’t dare cross that Democratic Red-Line beyond the collective will of the people, if your dreams fall short by perpetrating violence,” he said.
He used the occasion, on behalf of the Chief of Staff and the men and women in arms, to express high level of gratitude to the Legislative Branch, especially both Houses’ Committees on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs, for their oversight and guidance which continue to portray the AFL as a ‘Force for Good’.
Speaking Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) on the United Nations Drive in Monrovia, at celebration marking the 66th Armed Forces Day, Retired General Ziankahn assured the public that the AFL will remain non-political.
The defense minister who once served as Chief of Staff of the AFL also extended his deep appreciation to the families of the men and women in arms, noting that their enormous sacrifices are immeasurable and serve as the foundation upon which the military has survived.
Minister Ziankahn told them to remain focused on the mission and demonstrate supreme gallantry and professionalism through affirming their loyalty and services to the State as their patriotic obligation and constitutional responsibility in defending and preserving their common patrimony.
According to the Defense boss, consistent with President George Manneh Weah’s vision and intent to improve the living and working conditions of the men and women in arms, last year, he (President Weah), mandated and provided funding for the construction of additional housing units and five (5) multi-purpose bathroom facilities within the Military Barracks.
He said these projects are at 80 percent completion, noting that, when completed, these facilities will significantly mitigate the housing and sanitation needs of the AFL.
The Minister indicated that, the first batch of 176 recruits has completed both the Initial Entry Training and Advance Individual Training from a pool of over 2,000 potential recruits.
Furthermore, he narrated that 24 officer Candidates and 10 professionals, mainly medical doctors are presently undergoing specialized training. He stressed that the initiative is a national venture which ranges from financing, recruitment, vetting and training.
He told the gathering at the Armed Forces Day program that Liberian troops in Mali continue to serve with distinction, stressing that it is worth noting that for the first time since they began their Peacekeeping Operations in Mali, the Government of Liberia has contributed and committed to supporting our troops through budgetary allocation.
The defense minister pointed out that, the gallant men and women are performing at the highest tactical and operational levels in that sisterly country.
He said these achievements reveal the unmatched dedication, commitment, and professionalism of the AFL on the international front.
Minister Ziankahn then expressed special appreciations to the Governments of United States, India, China, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana for their continue support to the AFL; writes T.R. Dixon.