MONROVIA — Sinoe County Electoral District #2 Representative Simpson Wiah has accused personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) of deserting their official assignment and violently intimidating civilians during a traditional initiation ceremony in southeastern Liberia, prompting renewed national concern over military discipline and respect for civilian authority.
Addressing journalists Wednesday, January 7, at the Capitol Building, Rep. Wiah described what he termed a “shameful and dangerous abuse of power,” alleging that armed soldiers abandoned their deployment near Sapo National Park and instead entered civilian communities, where they disrupted sacred Grebo traditional rites and terrorized residents.
The Army High Command in Monrovia had not issued an official response as of press time.
Deployment Meant for Sapo, Not Civilian Communities
According to Rep. Wiah, AFL troops were originally deployed to protect Sapo National Park from illicit mining and poaching—an assignment widely supported by local leaders because of the park’s ecological importance.
“The mandate was clear,” Wiah said. “They were sent to secure the park, not to live among civilians, not to transact with miners, and certainly not to terrorize our people.”
He alleged that instead of enforcing the law, some soldiers deserted their posts and began fraternizing with illegal miners, eventually relocating into surrounding towns and villages.
Traditional Ceremony Turned Into Chaos
The most serious incident, Wiah said, occurred during a Grebo traditional initiation ceremony held in Nylanwayleken Town, a culturally protected period during which strict community rules apply.
According to the lawmaker, AFL personnel—allegedly intoxicated—entered the town during the ceremony, resisted traditional protocols, and violently confronted traditional leaders after being asked to remain confined to a designated area.
Wiah alleged that soldiers fired more than 80 rounds indiscriminately throughout the town, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes and leaving bullet holes in traditional structures.
“This was not crowd control. This was terror,” he said.
Commander Allegedly Admits Guilt, Seeks Forgiveness
In a stunning revelation, Rep. Wiah disclosed that the on-site commander, Chesson Jawah, later admitted wrongdoing and personally pleaded for forgiveness from community leaders.
“This was not hearsay,” Wiah stressed. “The commander admitted that his men were wrong.”
He added that physical evidence—including spent shell casings and damaged buildings—had been documented and forwarded to authorities.
Calls for Court-Martial and Withdrawal from Communities
Rep. Wiah is now demanding a full military investigation and court-martial proceedings against all AFL personnel involved.
“We are calling on the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense to act swiftly,” he said. “Soldiers who abandon their mission, intimidate civilians, and desecrate culture must face military justice.”
He also urged the immediate withdrawal of AFL troops from civilian communities and their redeployment strictly to protected forest zones.
A Troubled History of Civil–Military Tensions
While Liberia has made significant progress in reforming its security sector since the end of the civil war, incidents of alleged misconduct by security personnel have periodically reignited public concern.
Past controversies have included accusations of excessive force during land disputes, unlawful detention of civilians, and confrontations between security forces and local communities—often prompting calls for stronger civilian oversight and accountability.
Analysts say the Sinoe incident, if substantiated, risks undermining public confidence in the AFL and the broader security reform agenda.
Government Silence Raises Stakes
Rep. Wiah warned that failure to act decisively could damage the credibility of the Boakai administration, particularly in rural counties where trust in state institutions remains fragile.
“This action undermines the integrity of the government,” he said. “The AFL exists to protect Liberians, not to frighten them.”
As pressure mounts, civil society groups and traditional leaders are expected to join calls for an independent probe. For now, residents in affected communities say they are waiting—not just for justice, but for reassurance that their traditions, safety, and dignity will be respected.
