Monrovia, Liberia – June 23, 2025: Liberia’s most vocal grassroots movement, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), has issued a strong statement condemning what it describes as the “appalling and persistent neglect” of the welfare of Liberian soldiers and their families living in military barracks across the country.
In a forceful call to action released Monday, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. outlined disturbing conditions faced by personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), particularly those stationed at Edward Binyah Kesselly Barracks in Schiefflin, Camp Tubman in Gbarnga, Camp Todee in Montserrado, Camp Jackson Doe in Tappita, and the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.
The statement paints a grim picture of life inside these installations where soldiers and their families reportedly grapple with collapsed sanitation systems, limited access to clean drinking water, nonexistent healthcare services, and overcrowded, crumbling housing. In some cases, families are left with no choice but to use chamber buckets as toilets due to broken sewer lines and non-functional latrines.
“No nation can demand discipline, honor, and effectiveness from its armed forces while subjecting their families to such indignity and hardship,” the statement reads.
STAND also highlighted the deep economic disparity between frontline military personnel and Liberia’s political elite. According to the group, many soldiers earn as little as $250 a month, while government officials continue to enjoy “excessive compensation and fringe benefits.”
The advocacy movement is calling on President Joseph Boakai and his administration to take urgent steps to address what it sees as a national emergency. Among the demands are a fair salary increase for AFL personnel, a full audit and rehabilitation of military barracks, and immediate access to clean water, healthcare, and proper housing for all service members and their families.
“Liberia must rise to honor its armed forces—not just with words, but through bold and compassionate action,” Morlu stated, adding that true patriotism must extend to those who put their lives on the line for national security.
STAND has pledged to continue pressing the government for reforms, urging all Liberians and stakeholders to rally behind the soldiers who “deserve to live with dignity, not in neglect and hardship.”
This latest development adds to growing pressure on the Boakai administration to tackle long-standing issues affecting civil servants, healthcare workers, and now, the nation’s armed forces.
STAND is planning a landmark protest on 17th July which has since made shockwaves across the country.
