By Amos Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has unveiled an ambitious plan to recruit 600 new personnel into the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) between 2026 and 2029. This announcement, intended to revitalize and modernize the nation’s military, was delivered on February 11, 2026, during the 69th Armed Forces Day celebrations at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia. While the administration frames the move as a necessary step for national security, it has already sparked intense discussion regarding the government’s financial capacity and its broader developmental priorities.
During his keynote address, President Boakai characterized the recruitment drive as a central component of a reform agenda designed to address attrition and the aging profile of the current force. He emphasized that the initiative is not merely a numbers game but a strategic effort to create a military that reflects the diversity and aspirations of the Liberian people. The President argued that a younger, more responsive military is essential to confronting both traditional security threats and emerging regional challenges.
Despite the President’s optimistic outlook, critics and policy analysts have raised significant questions about the plan’s implementation. The administration has yet to provide a detailed roadmap regarding the financing of the recruitment or the logistical framework for training and sustaining an expanded force. Given that the AFL has historically struggled with chronic underfunding and limited logistics, observers are skeptical about the state’s ability to effectively absorb hundreds of new soldiers without further straining the national budget.
Furthermore, the announcement has reignited the “guns versus butter” debate. Many analysts question whether increasing troop numbers should be a primary focus when critical social sectors—such as health, education, and infrastructure—remain under-resourced and in desperate need of investment.
Beyond the recruitment goals, President Boakai pledged to improve the living standards of those already in uniform. He announced plans to renovate military barracks in Bomi and Maryland Counties, following through on similar projects previously initiated in Margibi and Nimba. The President acknowledged that substandard housing and poor conditions have long been a source of low morale and discipline issues within the ranks.
In a move toward holistic care, the President also revealed plans to establish a specialized mental health facility at the 14 Military Hospital. Supported by ECOWAS, this facility is intended to provide psychosocial support and trauma care for both military personnel and civilians. However, the announcement was met with a degree of caution from health advocates, who noted that the broader national health system is already under severe strain, making the long-term sustainability of specialized facilities a difficult challenge.
On the issue of institutional reform, President Boakai reiterated his commitment to increasing female participation within the AFL. Backed by support from the ELSIE Foundation, the administration pointed to the appointment of Liberia’s first female Minister of National Defense as a sign of progress. While gender advocates welcomed the symbolic importance of these steps, they noted that true inclusion would require deep-seated structural changes rather than high-profile appointments alone.
The President also took the opportunity to acknowledge Liberia’s international allies, specifically thanking Nigeria and the United States for their unwavering support in training and developing the security sector. Critics, however, pointed out that this heavy reliance on external partners highlights Liberia’s current inability to independently fund its defense, raising questions about the long-term sovereignty of the nation’s security planning.
As the 69th Armed Forces Day concluded, President Boakai called on the citizenry to stand behind the military as the “guardians of national sovereignty.” The ceremony was attended by a high-profile audience, including senior government officials, traditional leaders, and international military representatives.
Ultimately, the success of this 2029 recruitment goal will not be measured by the eloquence of the speeches delivered in Monrovia, but by the government’s ability to provide a transparent and adequately funded path to action. For many, the coming months will be a test of whether these commitments translate into a stronger, more sustainable AFL or remain as unfulfilled promises in a challenging economic landscape.