Liberia’s recently appointed defense minister has resigned from his position after just 10 days, following a protest by soldiers’ wives.
This marks the first political crisis for Liberia’s new president, Joseph Boakai, who was inaugurated at the end of January.
Boakai “has received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defence Mr. Prince C. Johnson,” the presidency said in a statement.
The president quickly announced a temporary replacement, appointing General Geraldine Janet George to the important position.
In his resignation letter, Johnson mentioned the ongoing political and civil unrest caused by protests from women believed to be married to servicemen.
The statement also mentioned that he wanted to maintain peace and security in the state. Wives of Liberian soldiers created roadblocks near the capital city of Monrovia and other parts of the country, leading Boakai to cancel the planned National Army Day celebrations on Monday, as reported by an AFP correspondent.
The women were expressing various concerns, including low salaries and pensions, a lack of social security, electricity shortages, and corruption within the armed forces.
The protesters also called for the resignation of the defence minister, holding him responsible for the decrease in salaries of Liberian soldiers who had returned from peace missions in Mali.
The first roadblock was set up on Sunday on the outskirts of Monrovia, near the Edward Binyah Kesselly barracks, along the road to the international airport.
On Monday, additional roadblocks made from kitchen utensils and makeshift materials appeared in other parts of the country.
Drivers who were stuck in long traffic jams on the road to the airport chose to abandon their vehicles and continue their journey on foot.
President Boakai has instructed the army to remove the roadblocks without delay, as reported by the presidency.
He also had a meeting with the wives of soldiers on Sunday and promised to thoroughly address their concerns by establishing a commission.
Additionally, he has ordered the restoration of electricity to the Edward Binyah Kesselly barracks and the provision of free classes in the school situated within the compound.
“The President has been in office for 20 days only and he has taken immediate steps already to address some of these issues which have been festering for more than five years,” his team said in a statement.
Boakai “advised everyone to remain calm and peaceful as the government seeks to address their concerns”, it added.
