MONROVIA, Montserrado – Human rights lawyer and former minister of public works, Samuel Kofi Woods, has challenged the Armed Forces of Liberia to win the hearts of citizens. He made these statements at a program marking the 58^th celebration of Armed Forces Day. He spoke on the theme of enhancing the capabilities of the AFL in disaster relief operations.

He said that the performance of the military during the Ebola crisis left much to be desired. He was referring to the rioting in the West Point community in August 2014 when the AFL was instructed to enforce a quarantine order. Unfortunately, Liberians witnessed a sad and tragic event when a teenage boy, Shaki Kamara, was shot and subsequently died of those injuries.

Woods said that the need for United Nations Mission in Liberia to control that incident, coupled with the U.S. Military’s support of the government’s efforts in containing the epidemic, underscores the need to examine the role of the military in Liberia.

Woods pointed out that the West Point incident was a grievous wrong on the part of the AFL, whose duty it is to protect the people. He emphasized that such actions must be corrected and that the army must be held accountable.

The attorney said that the AFL must seek redemption and reconciliation with the citizens, especially those who reside in West Point. He added, “[The] Liberian government cannot resurrect young Shaki Kamara and other victims. [It] cannot pay reparations, but the government can inspire hope and accrue some trust dividends through a renewed relationship with the community.”

To avoid a repeat of this sad event and ensure that the military adequately serves the people during humanitarian crises, he added that the following general principles needed to be incorporated into guidelines for the Liberian military. Such guidelines should be made public.

• That the military in Liberia should be deployed in such situations as a last resort, but even so there must be enhanced understanding and effective communication between the military and humanitarian professionals at all levels. One cannot overemphasize the importance of inter-organizational communication and coordination during military engagements in “permissive and uncertain environments.”

• That there is a prior need to establish a basic framework for formalizing and improving effectiveness during humanitarian crises. As such, the basic principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality should be inculcated in the mindset of the military personnel.

Woods also said that a national policy framework must be developed and properly communicated throughout the rank and file of the military. Military personnel must be properly trained and informed that there are local and international consequences for violations and those punitive measures must be enforced.

The human rights lawyer further said the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease necessitated the debate about the new role the Liberian military should play. He said that Liberia should prepare its military not only to carry guns but also to be capable of assisting the people when they are victims of natural disasters, health epidemics, or other crises.

“Indeed an army with knowledge in how to improve the material conditions of our people is an investment that Liberia as a nation must make and make now,” he said.

Woods implored the AFL to return to West Point, this time armed with shovels, diggers, pens, paper. They should engage in community waste management and sanitation programs, clean up exercises, adult literacy, sporting activities, and other initiatives aimed at restoring the broken relationship. He further clarified, “This is not the substitute for punitive measures and justice, but an attempt to reconcile and restore confidence and mutual trust.”

Speaking further, Woods said civilian-military relations should be guided and characterized by winning hearts and minds not brute force and intimidation. “Liberians are the military and the military are Liberians as they are recruited from the poor communities across the country.”

“The weapons they own are purchased from our sweat, and they must be used to protect us and enhance our national well being not to humiliate, harass and extort us,” Woods added. The new weapons that must be deployed, he continued, are the diggers, shovels, and heavy earth-moving machines.

“In your legacy lie fears of brutality and a history of extortion and intimidation. You must now invest in rebranding and reshaping your new image, improving your communication and interaction with our people, your own people. Your attitude, your sense of power and authority must be radically altered to rebuild trust and restore confidence,” Woods concluded.

Photo credit: Zeze Ballah