Monrovia, Liberia – Members of the disbanded Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have expressed outrage over what they describe as insufficient pensions and years of neglect by successive governments. The veterans, led by Chairman Captain William Phillip Anderson, demand justice for their sacrifices and threaten to take legal action if their grievances are not addressed within two weeks.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, Captain Anderson decried the harsh conditions they face, including surviving on a meager monthly pension of just US$30, equivalent to roughly LD $7,000, which is often paid late. “How can we survive on such a meager amount?” Anderson asked, highlighting the significant disparity between AFL veterans’ pensions and government officials’ salaries. “For twenty years, we have been treated unjustly, and it’s time to demand accountability,” he said.
The veterans, who served to protect key national institutions during Liberia’s turbulent years, feel abandoned by the government, particularly since the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration. “We fought and bled for this nation, yet our contributions have been disregarded,” Anderson lamented, accusing the government of failing to prioritize their welfare in the 2024 National Budget, which did not include any provisions for pension increases or incentives for veterans.
Anderson also raised concerns about the uniformity of pension payments, with disbanded generals and privates receiving the same amount and denying rightful benefits to thousands of veterans who enlisted in 1990. He described the veterans’ plight as a deep sense of betrayal, as many now grapple with homelessness, health issues, and poverty.
As the veterans prepared to escalate their demands through the Supreme Court, Anderson vowed they would not back down, rejecting any attempts to silence them through financial inducements. “We are the true heroes of Liberia, and we will not be silenced,” he declared.
The veterans’ demand is not solely about financial compensation but also a plea for respect and acknowledgment of their service to Liberia. Anderson warned that if the Boakai administration fails to address their concerns, the veterans would be compelled to take further actions to ensure their voices are heard, and their contributions to the nation are recognized.