https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240213/liberias-defense-minister-resigns-over-military-wives-protest-1065055899.html
Liberia's Defense Minister Resigns Over Military Wives' Protest
Liberia's Defense Minister Resigns Over Military Wives' Protest
Sputnik Africa
Wives and widows of Liberia's military staged a protest on Saturday morning, blocking roads and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the president, demanding that... 13.02.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-02-13T11:06+0100
2024-02-13T11:06+0100
2024-02-13T11:15+0100
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liberia
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Liberia's Defense Minister Prince Charles Johnson has resigned less than two weeks after his appointment amid protests by military wives, according to a statement on the country's government website.The government added that President Joseph Boakai has ordered the army to ensure that all those obstructing the free movement of people and vehicles are immediately removed and allow the government to address their grievances.In a separate statement, the government said the president met Sunday with the military wives who staged protests Saturday demanding the resignation of the defense minister and listened to their concerns.The president assured the women that their complaints would be thoroughly investigated for redress and informed them that he would form a committee to investigate and report back in a week, the government added.President Boakai took office in late January after defeating incumbent President George Weah in the November 2023 elections. According to the National Elections Commission of Liberia, Boakai received 50.64% of the vote, while Weah received 49.36%.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240122/liberias-new-leader-joseph-boakai-vows-to-combat-corruption-as-he-assumes-presidency-1064739289.html
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liberia, west africa, joseph boakai, george weah, defense ministry, military, protests
Liberia's Defense Minister Resigns Over Military Wives' Protest
11:06 13.02.2024 (Updated: 11:15 13.02.2024) Wives and widows of Liberia's military staged a protest on Saturday morning, blocking roads and issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the president, demanding that the head of the Defense Ministry be removed from office for allegedly mistreating military personnel.
Liberia's Defense Minister Prince Charles Johnson has resigned less than two weeks after his appointment amid protests by military wives, according to a
statement on the country's government website.
"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 service men, he has made the decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State," the statement said.
The government added that President Joseph Boakai has ordered the army to ensure that all those obstructing the free movement of people and vehicles are immediately removed and allow the government to address their grievances.
In a separate statement, the government said the president met Sunday with the military wives who staged protests Saturday demanding the resignation of the defense minister and listened to their concerns.
"The women highlighted challenges they are currently experiencing at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Barracks in Schieffelin [in the southwestern town of Duazon]. These include retirement benefits, low salary, corruption, lack of adequate insurance, education, poor housing, lack of electricity, social services, and their general welfare," the statement said.
The president assured the women that their complaints would be
thoroughly investigated for redress and informed them that he would form a committee to investigate and report back in a week, the government added.
President Boakai
took office in late January after defeating incumbent President George Weah in the November 2023 elections. According to the National Elections Commission of Liberia, Boakai received 50.64% of the vote, while Weah received 49.36%.