Ex-Defense Minister Samukai Suggests More Budgetary Support To AFL

Former Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai is recommending increased budgetary support for the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), stating that this will serve as a means to ease the constraints the men and women of the AFL have faced over the years.

Samukai said budgetary increment for the AFL will boost their capacity and enhance Liberia’s contribution in terms of social and economic recovery and civil-military relations.

He told the Liberia News Agency (LINA) in Monrovia on Wednesday, that increasing the army’s allotment in the national budget will enable the implementation of its welfare program for family members.

“Increased wages, better housing facilities, educational opportunities, and other welfare opportunities will serve as motivational tools to upholding the integrity of the army and sustaining its trust among the citizens,” he noted.

The Ministry of Defense current allotment in the 2019-2020 budget stands at a little over US$12 million.

Samukai also stressed the importance of building a welfare program for personnel of the army and their families so that they can focus more on their roles and avoid distractions that would undermine their purpose.

The former Defense Minister noted that now that Liberians clearly understand the benefits of improved welfare for the army, the country must act promptly to prevent the consequences of doing otherwise.

He then extended his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to his successor, Minister Daniel Ziankahn, for the professional job done since his ascendency.

Samukai pointed out that his successor is working tirelessly in order to transform the Army, citing that he is impressed with the work being done and with the administration of the current Defense Minister.

In February 2019, ahead of the Armed Forces Day program, it can be recalled, the Associate Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Jamal Dehtho called for the increment in the budgetary allotment of the Armed Forces of Liberia.

Dehtho said increasing the army’s allotment will enable the implementation of its welfare program for family members of the soldiers.

Dehtho made the call when he spoke at a symposium organized by the Monrovia City Corporation.

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