By G. Watson Richards
Amid imminent threat of external aggression, which poses a major challenge to Liberia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, political pundits argue that the government’s draft supplementary budget does not prioritize external security and sovereignty.
While the National Security Agency (NSA) is receiving US$2.5 million, both the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) are receiving a combined total of US$1.1 million; leaving the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) that is primarily responsible for border security with no specific amount even though US$700,000 has been allotted for Independence Day Celebrations, July 26.
The supplementary budget shows that the NSA has 127.3% more money than the AFL and the LNP even though the scopes, operations, manpower and logistical needs of the AFL and the LNP are far more than the NSA.
Summary of Draft Supplementary Budget:
1) Ministry of Defense/Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL): US$600,000
2) Liberia National Police (LNP): US$500,000
3) National Security Agency (NSA): US$2,500,000
More details on the draft supplementary budget to follow.
