MONROVIA – The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Liberia’s foremost grassroots civil society and advocacy movement, raises grave concern over the worsening and persistent neglect of the welfare and basic needs of both male and female personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). This challenge is especially pressing for those living in military barracks across the country, including the Edward Binyah Kesselly (EBK) Barracks, Camp Tubman in Gbarnga, Camp Todee in Montserrado, Camp Jackson Doe in Tappita, and the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia.
“Reports from EBK and other military installations reveal appalling and unsafe living conditions, including:
• Severe sanitation challenges and the absence of functional sewage systems
• Limited access to clean drinking water
• Inadequate or non-functional healthcare services
• Overcrowded, deteriorating housing units
• Families forced to use chamber buckets due to broken or nonexistent sanitation infrastructure”
STAND emphasized that such conditions are not only unacceptable—”they are hazardous. No nation can demand discipline, honor, and effectiveness from its armed forces while subjecting their families to such indignity and hardship.”
“Moreover, it is both troubling and unjust that Liberia’s dedicated soldiers earn an average monthly salary of just US$250, while senior government officials continue to receive excessive compensation and fringe benefits. This glaring inequality is a national disgrace and must be urgently corrected.”
As STAND continues to advocate for salary equity for civil servants and healthcare professionals, it stressed that it is standing firmly in solidarity with the men and women of the AFL. These individuals form the core of Liberia’s national defense and internal security—they deserve to live with honor, dignity, and basic human decency, not in neglect and hardship.
Therefore, STAND calls on the Boakai-led government to take immediate and concrete action to:
1. Review and increase AFL salaries to reflect fairness and respect for their service.
2. Launch a national audit and rehabilitation program for all military barracks.
3. Ensure the delivery of essential services—including clean water, sanitation, and healthcare—across all military communities.
4. Invest in long-term welfare programs, including dignified housing, healthcare, and sustainable pension schemes.
“We cannot continue to preach patriotism while ignoring the suffering of those who defend the nation. Liberia must rise to honor its armed forces—not just with words, but through bold and compassionate action.
STAND remains unwavering in its mission to amplify the voices of the marginalized. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave men and women of the AFL and their families, and we call on all patriotic Liberians and concerned stakeholders to rally behind this urgent national appeal.
