Monrovia, Liberia – Captain Jerry Kerkulah Kollie, former spokesperson for the disbanded Armed Forces of Liberia, has strongly criticized past decisions by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, blaming the dissolution of the country’s military for weakening Liberia’s ability to respond to ongoing territorial tensions with neighboring Guinea.
Speaking on the current border dispute in a Verity interview, Kollie expressed deep frustration over what he described as a “historic mistake” made during Sirleaf’s administration, when Liberia’s armed forces were disbanded following the civil conflict. According to him, the decision left the country vulnerable by removing experienced infantry soldiers who had been battle-tested and nationally recruited.
Kollie argued that Liberia once had one of the strongest infantry forces in West Africa, but these soldiers were dismissed without adequate benefits or reintegration support. He claimed that his advocacy on their behalf led to his detention, describing himself as one of the early political prisoners under Sirleaf’s leadership.
Linking past decisions to present challenges, Kollie said the current Liberian military lacks the strength and experience needed to effectively handle border incursions. He pointed to recent incidents involving Guinean forces allegedly crossing into Liberian territory and attempting to assert control, calling such actions a serious regional security threat.
He further criticized the restructuring process that followed the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, arguing that it failed to maintain adequate troop levels and excluded many qualified former soldiers. Kollie also raised concerns about Liberia relying on foreign countries, including Guinea, for military training, suggesting it exposed national security vulnerabilities.
Kollie emphasized that a stronger, more experienced military could have responded more decisively to border violations. He called for stricter accountability within the armed forces and warned that failure to address such incidents risks escalating tensions between Liberia and Guinea.
The remarks come as concerns grow over stability along the Liberia–Guinea border, with calls increasing for improved security coordination and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
