Liberia AFL Chief Forleh: Immediate Dismissal Warning for Inaction on Civilian Violence

• Major General Davidson F. Forleh, AFL Chief of Staff, warned military personnel of dismissal for failing to intervene in civilian violence.
• This warning followed the administrative discharge of two AFL sergeants on October 21, 2026, for alleged domestic violence.
• The dismissals were carried out under Chapter 7, Section 7.7(g) and (j) of the National Defense Act of 2008.
• Forleh condemned violence against women, emphasizing it contradicts the AFL's professional standards and motto, "A Force for Good."
• The Chief of Staff stressed that military personnel must uphold discipline and protect citizens, both on and off duty.

This reinforced stance on accountability, particularly regarding Armed Forces of Liberia misconduct and the duty to intervene in civilian violence, indicates a strict enforcement environment for military conduct.

Major General Davidson F. Forleh, the Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), has issued a forceful warning to military personnel, indicating that any soldier who observes civilian violence without intervening faces immediate dismissal. This significant declaration underscores the military's obligation to safeguard human life and prohibits indifference when citizens are subjected to threats or physical harm. The Liberia AFL Chief Forleh dismissal warning was delivered during a graduation ceremony for 37 Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) officers at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, where he explicitly stated that inaction in the face of brutality against a citizen would not be tolerated.

General Forleh's remarks directly followed the administrative discharge of two AFL personnel, Sergeant Roberts P. Menyon and Sergeant Abu S. B. Sheriff, on October 21, 2026. Their dismissal stemmed from an alleged domestic violence incident involving Alfredia Blessing Kpaegai in Thinkers Village, Paynesville, Montserrado County, which reportedly gained public attention through a social media video. This incident provided a stark backdrop for the Chief of Staff's emphasis on accountability and the military's role in protecting the populace.

The administrative action taken against Sergeants Menyon and Sheriff was executed under the authority of the National Defense Act of 2008, specifically citing Chapter 7, Section 7.7(g) and (j). These provisions address various forms of misconduct and behavior deemed inconsistent with the high standards expected of military personnel. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed that these sections were the basis for the discharges, highlighting the legal foundation for enforcing strict discipline within the Armed Forces of Liberia.

During his address, Major General Forleh unequivocally condemned violence against women, asserting that such actions are in direct opposition to the professional ethos of the AFL and its guiding motto, "A Force for Good." He reiterated that military personnel are expected to maintain exemplary discipline, show respect for human dignity, and demonstrate responsibility both during their official duties and in their personal lives. The Chief of Staff stressed that wearing the military uniform entails responsibilities far beyond merely following orders, including the fundamental duty to protect citizens and respond appropriately when human lives are endangered, reinforcing the AFL domestic violence policy through firm action.

The recent dismissals and Major General Forleh's explicit warning signal a renewed and stringent focus on Liberia military discipline and accountability across the nation's security institutions. The Chief of Staff made it clear that soldiers who witness violence and fail to take appropriate action will face disciplinary measures, including the possibility of dismissal. He underscored that the AFL will not condone any conduct that abuses, humiliates, or devalues women or any other members of society.

This reinforced stance on accountability, particularly regarding Armed Forces of Liberia misconduct and the duty to intervene in civilian violence, indicates a strict enforcement environment for military conduct. Lawyers advising military personnel in Liberia should note this heightened emphasis on adherence to the National Defense Act 2008 Section 7.7 and the broader implications for service members' responsibilities both on and off duty, as the leadership demonstrates a firm commitment to upholding the military's integrity and its protective role.

Lawyers advising military personnel in Liberia should note the reinforced stance on accountability within the AFL, particularly regarding misconduct and the duty to intervene in civilian violence, as evidenced by recent dismissals and the explicit warning from the Chief of Staff citing the National Defense Act 2008. This indicates a strict enforcement environment for military conduct.

Source: Original reporting via New Dawn / AllAfrica