The Inquirer (Monrovia)
14 April 2008
Monrovia — This paper has reliably learnt that the way and manner in which the American contractors are handling the training program of the new Armed forces of Liberia, was responsible for the recent outburst by some members of the army at the Kesselly Barracks.
Over the weekend it was reported that soldiers at the barrack complained of the lack of food, something they said has caused them to resort to eating plums. They alleged that the trainers and those charged with the responsibility for the training have not being providing them food as promised.
Sources told this paper that the contractors were carrying on the program and expenditure of funds allocated for the restructuring of the army without the involvement of Liberia. "There is no transparency and accountability," cried out one source in government. The source said the Defense Ministry had raised some of these issues, but that the contractors paid deaf ears and did their own thing.
According to another source, the contractors are spending about US$4.7m on seven buildings; something the source said would be used to "build a whole barrack." But the source said the government's 'hands are tied' since it is not part of the decision-making process. "The government is caught between the scissors because if it is not careful, it may not get the assistance to train the army," the source further said.
"The over US$172m and the recent US$58m for the training of the army, are being handled by the contractors without the government of Liberia's input," the source maintained.
A former general in the former Armed Forces of Liberia told this paper that there is nowhere one can train an army which is in solitary without providing for them. "These men and women are not at their private homes and are not allowed to go home daily to eat; therefore, it is the obligation of the trainer or contractors to provide for them. How can you train soldiers from 5 a.m. to 7.p.m. without feeding them? This is very unfair and inhumane, "the veteran general said.
It has also been gathered by this paper that there is neither kitchen nor kitchen utensils for the soldiers.
Meanwhile, several persons who heard about the plight of the new soldiers have called on the government to engage its partners to seriously look into this matter. They said it is now time to resolve the issue of feeding and other matters. This should be a time to share with the plight of the soldiers and not time to talk about breach of duty for punishment because theirs is a genuine cause.
When contacted yesterday, Defense Minister Brownie Samukai said it is the position of the government that those providing training should also provide feeding and accommodation. He said the government was disappointed and embarrassed over the failure of the contractors (PAE and DYNCORP) to provide feeding and other facilities for the soldiers.
He said it is the prerogative of the contractors to do so until the training and mentorship is over. The Defense boss said this recent "embarrassment could have been avoided if the allocation of funds was done in cooperation with the government of Liberia through the Defense Ministry."
Instead, the Minister said, "the contractors spend the money the way they feel and according to their own priorities."
He disclosed that the US$58.1 by the US Congress for training, equipment and building of facilities, have been expended in a way and manner that "lacks transparency and accountability," adding, "the contractors spend the money ad libitum."
In the meantime, the Defense Ministry in a press release issued Saturday following reports that the soldiers were eating plums, said the recent spontaneous statements made by few soldiers of the AFL on 10 April 2008 at the Edward Beyan Kesselly Military Barracks of the 23rd Infantry Brigade, on the issues of housing and food was unfortunate. The Ministry wishes to emphasize that these views do not represent the views of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
This personal statement by few soldiers does not portray any lack of confidence in the level of training provided by our international partners in the attempt to build a capable and professional military. Furthermore, the statement does not diminish the level of logistical support being provided by the government. However the Ministry of National Defense is addressing priority issues of concern.
According to the press release, during an emergency meeting held on Friday at the Ministry of National Defense, the Minister of Defense has set up a Board of Inquiry to look at all the issues that prompted the statement, as well as determine whether any provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice has been breached. The Board of Inquiry will be chaired by the Deputy Minister of National Defense for Administration, and includes the Office of the Command Officer In Charge, one Company Commander from the 1st Infantry Battalion, The Senior Military Advisor to the Minister of National Defense and the Assistant Minister of National Defense for Public Affairs. This Board of Inquiry has been mandated to submit its report to the Minister of National Defense, by close of business on Friday, April 17, 2008.
Meanwhile, the Minister of National Defense ordered a general Muster of AFL Soldiers at 18:00 Hours on (Saturday, April 12, 2008) at EBK barracks, during which time the Minister of National Defense and the AFL Command Officer-In-Charge addressed the troops on civilian-military relations, issues pertaining to their general welfare, and their obligations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The Ministry of National Defense wishes to assure the People of Liberia of its unwavering commitment to build a dedicated and professional military devoid of personal and selfish interest.
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