News

The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of National Defence and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), has officially activated the retirement clauses of the Defence Act, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s military reform.At a ceremony held on October 17 at the Barclays Training Center (BTC), six AFL personnel were honoured for their years of loyal and dedicated service.His Excellency President Joseph N. Boakai served as the Special Guest of Honour, and presented cash gratuities to the retirees in appreciation for their selfless service to the country.The Defence Act, which includes crucial clauses on personnel retirement, was originally drafted by a past Senior Advisor of the ECOWAS Advisory Training Team (EATT) (Nigeria) together with his Ghanaian Deputy. Building on that foundation, the current EATT leadership: Col Dafe Mcanthony Imiren (Nigeria) and Lt Col Martin Dziedzorm Dey (Ghana Army) played a vital role in the implementation phase. They also served on the first-ever AFL Retirement Committee, which planned and managed the retirement process for the honorees.Established in 2014 (following the AFL’s 2006 inception), the EATT’s mandate includes establishing, commanding, mentoring, and providing advisory roles to strengthen Liberia’s defense institutions and professionalize the AFL.Major General Davidson F Forley, AFL Chief of Staff, praised the retirees for their professionalism and urged serving members to emulate their example. The event marks the successful institutionalization of a formal, statutory retirement process within the AFL, made possible through the long-term advisory and capacity-building efforts by the EATT.

Also present at the ceremony were members of the cabinet, ministers, and top government officials of Liberia.

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