By Vaye A. Lepolu
In what appears as an unprecedented move, President Joseph N. Boakai, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), conducted the traditional Armed Forces Day inspection from the back of a specially designed AFL pickup truck. This decision, reportedly driven by the President’s health considerations, marked the first time a Liberian head of state has used a vehicle for such a ceremonial duty.
The event, held at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) barracks in Monrovia, celebrated the bravery and dedication of Liberia’s military. The pickup truck, adorned in the national colors of red, white, and blue, was customized to accommodate President Boakai, who stood in the vehicle’s bed during the inspection. He was flanked by the AFL Chief of Staff and four high-ranking officers, ensuring his safety and stability throughout the ceremony.
A Historic Moment
The decision to use the pickup truck was reportedly made to address President Boakai’s physical limitations, allowing him to fulfill his duties as Commander-in-Chief without compromising his health. The move was widely seen as a practical solution to ensure the President’s active participation in the event, which included the traditional Balitan inspection of troops.
While the action was considered a usual one (Done by leaders of a few other countries) by some of the president’s supporters, it also sparked criticism from Boakai’s critics. They argue that the President’s health challenges could lead to administrative missteps, potentially tarnishing Liberia’s image on the global stage.
