15 April 2008
The Ministry of National Defense has spoken strongly against the activities of the Pacific Architectural Engineering (PAE), the company contracted to provide logistics and feeding as well as carry on construction of units at various military barracks.
Defense Minister, Mr. Brownie J. Samukai says the government is embarrassed by the manner in which things are going relative to the execution of its work.
The United States has provided the sum of US$172M through the PAE for the provision of services to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), but there seems to be an unprecedented level of dissatisfaction as to how the money is spent.
The Liberian government, which owns the army, is not the custodian of the money other tan PAE. And in the wake of growing tension relative to complaints from officers of the AFL that they are not being properly felt, or taken care of, the Ministry of Defense is accordingly craving accountability and transparency in the application of the funds.
Already, members of the AFL are furious over the manner in which they are being treated relative with feeding and housing. "We want to know how the United States people's money is being used," Minister Samukai told this paper via mobile phone last evening.
Observers say the emerging developments may dampen the moral of the AFL and even cause set back for the entire training program. Liberia is craving intense international involvement, financially and materially, to transform its security sector which includes training of the AFL.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense says recent statements made by few soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the Edward Beyan Kessely Military Barracks of the 23rd Infantry Battalion on the issue of housing and food was unfortunate. The ministry says those views propounded by the soldiers did not represent that of the AFL in its entirety.
The statements by few of the soldiers should not portray any lack of confidence in the level of training been provided by our international partners in our attempt to build a capable and professional military.
Furthermore, the statement does not diminish the level of logistical support provided by the government. However, the Ministry says it is addressing priority issues of concerns to the Ministry of National Defense.
According to the Press Release, during an emergency meeting held yesterday at the Ministry of Defense, a Board of Inquiry has been set up to look at all issues that prompted the statement, as well as determine whether any provision of the Uniform Code of Ministry Justice (UCMJ) has been breached.
The Board of Inquiry will be chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defense for Administration, and includes the office of the Command Office-In-Charge, one Company Commander from the 1st Infantry Battalion, the Senior Military Advisor to the Minister of Defense and the Assistant Minister for Public Affairs. The Board, according to the release, is to submit its report to the Minister of Defense on Friday, April 17, 2008.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense has ordered that a general Muster of AFL Soldiers at which time the Command-In-Charge will address the troops on civilian-military relations, issues pertaining to their general welfare, and their obligations under the UCMJ.
The Ministry of Defense has assured the public of its unwavering commitment to build a dedicated, disciplined and professional military devoid of personal and selfish interest.
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