Spouses of Liberian Army and their husbands protest over benefits as newly nominated Defense Minister Prince C. Johnson III, resigned his post.
General Johnson, in a statement says he is stepping down for the common good of the country and the institution he has served for the past 18 years.
He added wants to make sure discipline is instilled in the army and any allegation of him misusing funds is totally false.
Our National correspondent in Monrovia says the army wives blocked the main road leading to the country’s only international airport and several other entrances into the capital Monrovia.
Earlier, President Boakai has canceled the official Armed forces Day celebration in a bid to look into the plight of the army.
Kula Fofana, presidential spokeswoman told local media that the president had prefer a low key activities to mark the army day instead of the normal extravaganza celebration in the past. According her, President Boakai has scheduled to meet the protesting army wives to hear their concerns.
The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia early Monday issued a statement that it was aware of ongoing protests by AFL spouses and the forced closure of major roads throughout greater Monrovia.
“While the U.S. Embassy supports the right to peaceful protest, blockading roads and impeding the movement of Liberian citizens is disruptive and counterproductive. This is contrary to the respect of democracy and rule of law. We call on all parties to come together for a peaceful resolution and dialogue.”
President Boakai accepts General Johnson resignation
A statement from the president office said the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defense Mr. Prince C. Johnson.
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 President expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.
In another development, the President has instructed the Army to ensure all those impeding the free movement of people and vehicles through actions that blocked major thoroughfares across the country to immediately remove themselves and allow the government to resolve their grievances.
According to the executive mansion the president is expected to address the nation on later on Monday.
