– AFL Warns ‘Would Be’ Trouble Makers
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson
Following a minor fracas last night between two opposing groups believed to be supporters of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), and with a pending December 17 political rally announced by the CPP, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has issued a warning against actions that threatened peace and security and urged disenchanted Liberians to make use of all legal avenues as the 2023 elections draw closer.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Prince C. Johnson III, issued a statement in which he warned everyone not to do anything that could potentially cause trouble. He stated that they would not allow anyone, regardless of how influential they are or which political party they are affiliated with, to disrupt the peace.
“If you chose to ignore the rule of law and take the law into your own hands, regardless of your present or prior position or affiliation, and if the LNP is unable to control your actions and/or is overwhelmed, we will carry out our constitutional duty,” We will not permit anyone or any group of people to impede the peace and democracy that we have worked so hard to acquire. The army issued a warning.
On December 5, Amb. Lewis Browne, a former Liberian ambassador to the United Nations, appeared on the local radio station Voice of Liberia to discuss the planned demonstration by the CPP that will take place on December 17. In front of the radio station, a crowd of individuals who were believed to be government supporters from the CDC gathered in order to instigate a riot against the ambassador and the scheduled protest. One of the things that is believed to have prompted the military to deliver the warning to individuals who are suspected of disobeying the law.
There is a strong implication that the army documented the legal actions taken by former Liberty Party standard bearer Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine during the 2017 general elections and other actors during the most recent 2020 midterm senatorial elections as the most appropriate measures in seeking political redress.
“A word of caution to anyone who may feel or be disenchanted as we approach the 2023 elections to use the court system as seen in the 2017 presidential and 2020 midterm senatorial elections,” the army said. “As we get closer to the elections in 2023, use the court system as seen in the 2017 presidential and 2020 midterm senatorial elections.”
Meanwhile, the AFL has vowed to uphold its constitutional responsibilities, as well as its promise to provide assistance to the appropriate security agencies in their efforts to preserve and maintain Liberia’s peace and security.
In cases where it is absolutely essential, “We Will Support the LNP and Relevant Agencies to Protect Key Installations”
At the same time, the chief of staff stated that they backed the right to a peaceful assembly that is outlined in the constitution and requested the minister of justice to talk to all of the appropriate officials about allowing people to gather peacefully to say what they want to say.
It was made clear by Maj. Gen. Prince C. Johnson III that the army is not attempting to put the police at the rear of the line; rather, the army is providing backup to the police as last responders in situations that are beyond the control of the police.
The army clarified that “Like we did on June 7, we were in our barracks waiting to be called on by the police, but they did so well to calm the situation.” However, “when the assembly turns violent and the police are not able to calm the situation because it is beyond their control, we will come in to calm the situation,” the army said. “Like we did on June 7, we were in our barracks waiting to be called on by the police.”
