William Phillip Anderson, the former National Chairman and Commander of the disbanded Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), raises alarms about the government’s ongoing neglect of ex-soldiers’ rights.
Anderson, alongside other former AFL leaders, recently met with Her Excellency Josephine N’Kruman, the ECOWAS Ambassador, to express their concerns about the unconstitutional disbandment of the AFL and the failure to honor promises made in the aftermath of the Liberian Civil War.
Anderson and his group of veterans argue that the government’s actions have violated the spirit of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which the United Nations and ECOWAS brokered. The agreement envisioned the AFL’s restructuring, not its complete dissolution. Anderson claims the government’s decision to disband the army entirely, destroy all weapons, and send soldiers home without proper compensation has left thousands of veterans in dire straits.
“The government did not follow through with the restructuring process. Instead, they dismantled the entire force, stripped us of our weapons, and left us to fend for ourselves without any adequate support,” Anderson lamented. “This is a blatant breach of the CPA, and we have been left with nothing but our pride and survival struggles.”
The situation is further compounded by the veterans’ meager $30 monthly stipend, which Anderson describes as insufficient to cover basic needs, let alone support a family. “This amount is an insult to every soldier who fought for this country,” he said. “It’s a mockery of our sacrifices and dedication.”
Anderson has vowed to take legal action in response to what he views as an ongoing injustice. He stated that the AFL veterans will seek redress in the Supreme Court of Liberia, challenging the unconstitutional dissolution of the AFL and demanding proper compensation. Additionally, they plan to bring the issue before an international human rights body to hold the government accountable for its treatment of the veterans.
“We are not looking to create chaos in Liberia, but we cannot remain silent while we are being mistreated,” Anderson declared. “We want the government to answer in Court and clarify whether the $30 stipend is truly our rightful pension. If not, the government owes us 20 years of back pay.”
Anderson also expressed concern about the broader implications of the government’s neglect of the AFL veterans. He called on Liberians to reflect on honoring those who sacrificed for the country’s peace. “This isn’t just a financial matter; it’s a matter of justice for the men and women who gave their all for Liberia’s peace,” he emphasized.
He urged the government to address the issue swiftly to prevent further unrest. “We don’t want another war, but we cannot let this injustice continue. The future of Liberia depends on how we treat those who fought for peace. How we respect our veterans today will determine the kind of country we leave to future generations,” Anderson concluded.
