The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and Major Col. Davidson T. Forleh, have been accused of allegedly using power to demolish and takeover properties in the Duazon area.
The House of Representatives voted to summon the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to address allegations of property demolition in the Duazon area.
The decision was made following three separate complaints received from citizens and lawmakers regarding the actions of AFL personnel.
The complaints, presented by Representative Roland O. Cooper of Margibi County and Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh of Sinoe County, detail disturbing incidents of property destruction allegedly carried out by armed AFL personnel on May 30, 2024. According to the citizens of Duazon, led by their representative, Col. Roland T. Murphy oversaw the demolition of numerous properties on land occupied by the Millennium Construction Company.
Similarly, Representative Quioh recounted an alarming incident where armed soldiers, reportedly under the command of Major Col. Davidson T. Forleh, marched onto his residential construction site, allegedly on the orders of Hon. Geraldine George, Minister of National Defense. Quioh described his property, a state-of-the-art residential building, as being unlawfully targeted despite being legally acquired and registered.
Quioh emphasized the legal legitimacy of his property acquisition, highlighting the meticulous process of purchase, probate, and registration with the Liberia Land Authority. He estimated the cost of damages caused by the demolition, including looting of building materials, at $121,943.00 USD. Additionally, he raised concerns about the confiscation of his construction engineer’s phone by armed soldiers during the incident.
Both citizens and lawmakers have called for Minister Geraldine George and Col. Davidson T. Forleh to explain their actions and justify the destruction of property in Duazon. They demand accountability for the alleged abuse of power and disregard for legal property rights.
In response to these grave allegations, a motion was swiftly passed to summon the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff to appear before the House plenary on Tuesday, June 11. This summons underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the House intends to address the issue of property demolition and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The summoning of high-ranking military and government officials reflects the gravity of the situation and signals a firm stance against arbitrary exercise of power and violation of citizens’ rights. The upcoming hearing will provide an opportunity for Minister Geraldine George and Col. Davidson T. Forleh to provide explanations and address concerns raised by the affected citizens and lawmakers.
As the nation awaits further developments, all eyes are now on the House of Representatives to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly in cases where abuse of authority is alleged.
The outcome of the hearing will undoubtedly have significant implications for accountability and transparency within Liberia’s defense sector.
Credit: House of Representatives Press
