OVER THE LAST few days, a series of protests were held by a group of women believed to be wives of personnel from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). This has captured the nation’s attention, as the women, in their actions, have called for the removal of retired AFL Chief of Staff Prince C Johnson, following his appointment as Defense Minister by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
HOWEVER, AS THE situation unfolded, it triggers us to critically examine whether these protestations are a genuine expression of concerns or if they were merely proxy actions influenced by their husbands.
THEIR DEMANDS FOR the removal of retired AFL Chief of Staff Prince C Johnson, have disrupted the activities of residents of the different venues where they staged their protests and even led to the cancellation of the Armed Forces Day celebration.
WHILE THEIR CAUSE may seem legitimate at first glance, words on the streets have echoed that the protests may be considered a proxy action, that was heavily influenced by their husbands who don’t see it prudent to do so themselves.
TO AUTHENTICATE THE rumors, we considered the power dynamics within the AFL and the influence military officers wield over their families. Given the hierarchical structure of the armed forces, it is plausible that these women, as wives of AFL personnel, may have been acting at the behest of their husbands.
TRUTH BE TOLD, it is not uncommon for military personnel to hold reservations about publicly expressing their dissent due to fear of retribution or potential damage to their careers. With the idea of using their wives as proxies, they knew exactly that their (Soldiers) concerns would have been channeled indirectly while avoiding any direct consequences.
AMONG SEVERAL OTHER issues they have with Mr. Johnson, the women’s demand for his removal stemed from allegations of his involvement in unorthodox acts within the army, including embezzlement of funds intended for the soldiers.
IF THESE ALLEGATIONS are indeed true, it further reinforces the notion that the AFL soldiers themselves may have played a significant role in instigating their wives to protest.
It also points to the fact that their decision to rely on their spouses to spearhead the movement reflects a lack of confidence in the system’s ability to address the issues professionally.
LATE FEBRUARY 11, 2024, President Boakai met at his Rehab Office with the Wives of the Armed Forces of Liberia to hear their grievances. According to an Executive Mansion release, the women highlighted the challenges they are currently experiencing at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks in Schieffelin.
THESE INCLUDE RETIREMENT benefits, low salary, corruption, lack of adequate insurance, education, poor housing, lack of electricity, social services, and general welfare. They stated these challenges have lingered on too long enough without redress as the military leadership has remained indifferent.
WHILE THE RECENT protestations by the women claiming to seek the removal of Defense Mr. Prince C Johnson may appear genuine on the surface, delving deeper into the circumstances suggests a proxy action driven by the soldiers themselves.
THE POWER DYNAMICS within the AFL and the soldiers’ decision to demonstrate their dissent publicly create an opportunity for their wives to act as proxies. The allegations of unorthodox acts and embezzlement further support the notion that these protests are influenced and orchestrated by the soldiers themselves.
HOWBEIT, IT NOW appears that the men have succeeded, as Mr. Johnson has tendered his resignation to the office of the President and it has been accepted. As disclosed by an Executive Mansion, Monday, February 12, 2024, release, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defense, Mr. Prince C. Johnson.
THE RELEASE NOTED: “In his letter, the Minister of National Defense outlined his reasons for his action noting that due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen, he has decided to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State. The President expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.”
THE CLOSE CONNESTION between these women and their husbands, who are serving or have served in the armed forces, raises questions regarding the extent to which their actions were influenced by their relationships.
WHAT BAFFLES US the most is that regardless of interventions by the Senate, and the Vice President, the women didn’t relent until the actual intent (Johnson’s resignation) of their action was actualized. This speaks to the fact that behind those soft women, were strong soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia who were pushing what they saw as a crucial agenda.
