As Liberia commemorated the 68th Armed Forces Day on February 11, 2025, the event featured a keynote address from President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who underscored a powerful message of political neutrality and unwavering dedication to constitutional governance. Speaking to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and dignitaries in attendance, Bio, a former soldier, cautioned the military to remain resolutely apart from political conflicts.
Bio, who has seen the ravages of military involvement in politics, urged the AFL to stay focused on their core responsibility: to safeguard the Constitution and uphold the democratic institutions that sustain the country. “The loyalty of the Armed Forces must remain with the people and the Constitution, above all,” he stated. “You must steer clear of politics and honor the democratic principles that Liberia strives to build.”
The ceremony marked Liberia’s dedication to its military forces and highlighted the theme of “Sustainable Peace and Security through Stakeholder’s Engagement: The Role of the Armed Forces.” Bio’s words resonated with the gathering, which included government officials, military personnel, and diplomatic representatives, as they reflect Liberia’s commitment to peacebuilding in the aftermath of its civil conflicts.
President Bio’s admonitions come at a time when military coups have become an unsettling trend in West Africa. Countries like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have experienced political instability due to military takeovers, prompting Bio to remind the AFL of the dangerous consequences when the army steps into political arenas. Bio’s plea for the AFL to remain apolitical is particularly poignant, considering Liberia’s own difficult history with military rule.
In 1980, Liberia experienced a military coup that resulted in the overthrow of the Tolbert administration, followed by years of civil strife and turmoil. The scars of those dark days remain etched in the country’s collective memory, serving as a stern reminder of the risks associated with military interference in governance.
Bio’s message was unequivocal: Liberia cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. “History teaches us that when the military aligns with democratic values, nations thrive; when it diverges, societies crumble,” he warned. This cautionary tale speaks to the heart of Liberia’s ongoing journey to rebuild and sustain democratic institutions after decades of destruction.
Following the end of the Civil War, the AFL has been rebuilding its reputation, focusing on professionalizing the force and ensuring its loyalty to civilian leadership. With the restructuring of the military in 2003, the AFL was revitalized with merit-based recruitment, improved training, and a clear commitment to upholding democratic principles at its core. Today, the AFL represents Liberia’s collective hope for stability and peace, and Bio’s words are a call to maintain that integrity.
Beyond Liberia, President Bio also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace and security. Both scarred by civil wars, Sierra Leone and Liberia share a common bond in their pursuit of peace and democratic governance. In this spirit, Bio highlighted the significance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) in fostering a unified approach to regional stability.
“Amid the chaos and challenges facing democracies globally, the AFL must be the pillar that upholds democratic order and peace,” Bio emphasized. His remarks remind us that the stability of West Africa hinges on the commitment of the region’s military forces to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The address concluded with a strong call to action for the AFL: to act as guardians of peace, not as forces of division. Bio urged the military to be a shield that protects the nation from harm, rather than a sword that exacerbates conflict. His speech reinforced the crucial role the AFL plays not only in Liberia’s internal security but also in maintaining regional stability.
