Monrovia, Liberia — Liberian-American activist Norris Johnson has called on the government and citizens of Liberia to rethink national security, arguing that military strength should be measured by capability rather than size.
In a recent opinion piece shared on his Facebook account, Johnson pointed to global examples to underscore his point. He noted that despite Russia’s vast resources and military size, its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 did not yield the swift victory many analysts predicted. Similarly, Israel, facing threats from neighboring states and militant groups, has maintained its security with far fewer personnel, thanks to superior training, technology, strategy, and morale.
“Military success is not determined by numbers alone,” Johnson wrote. “What matters is the ability to defend one’s homeland effectively.”
Bringing the discussion closer to Liberia, Johnson highlighted recent reports that elements of the Guinean military attempted to annex territory in Foya District, Lofa County, in March 2026. While the situation was reportedly resolved through diplomacy, he criticized the lack of transparency from the Ministry of National Defense.
“The Liberian public was largely left in the dark,” Johnson said. “In the absence of clear information, fear and speculation filled the vacuum.” He suggested that the incident may have been a strategic test by Guinea, raising questions about Liberia’s preparedness.
Johnson commended the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for defending the nation’s sovereignty but stressed that respect alone is insufficient. He noted that Liberia’s military has remained at roughly 2,000 personnel since its reactivation in 2007, a number far below what he considers necessary for effective national defense.
He further urged the government to tap into the expertise of Liberians living in the diaspora who could contribute strategic insight and operational experience. “Liberia does not need to match the size of Guinea’s military. What we need is capability—better training, modern equipment, high morale, professional leadership, and the unwavering will to defend our nation,” Johnson said.
Johnson proposed a gradual expansion of the AFL to 20,000 well-trained, properly equipped personnel, arguing that such a move would strengthen border security, reduce youth unemployment, and foster national stability and patriotism.
“A capable military is not simply an instrument of war. It is a pillar of sovereignty, stability, and national dignity,” Johnson wrote. “The question before us is simple: Will we invest in the security of our nation today, or wait until a crisis forces us to act tomorrow?”
