Liberia's defence minister quits after 10 days following military wives' protest
Liberia's new defence minister Prince Johnson has resigned from his position only 10 days after his appointment following a protest by military wives.
The resignation of the retired army chief was announced by the Liberian presidency on February 12, as the West African nation observed its 67th Armed Forces Day.
“The President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defense Mr. Prince C. Johnson,” the Liberian presidency wrote.
“In his letter, the Minister of National Defense outlined his reasons for his action noting that due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen, he has made the decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State,” the presidency added.
On February 10, the wives of Armed Offices of Liberia (AFL) officers staged barricades on major highways and demanded that President Boakai fire the former army chief for allegedly mistreating military personnel stationed across.
The military wives accused the former army chief of engaging in unethical labour practices and voiced worries about the low pay, inadequate benefits, and unfavourable living conditions in the barracks, the New Dawn Liberia reports.
The 79-year-old President Boakai, who defeated former Liberian President George Weah in a runoff election in November 2023, has made several government appointments in recent weeks after assuming office on January 22. Prince Johnson, a retired major general, led the AFL as chief of staff to Weah from 2018 to 2024.
