NATIONAL NEWS
CAPITOL HILL – Grand Bassa County District #1 Representative, Isaac Bannie, has introduced a bill seeking to amend Section 7.2 of the National Defense Act of 2008, with the aim of expanding recruitment into the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
The proposal was submitted at the opening of the Special Session of the House of Representatives. It seeks to increase the manpower of the armed forces while making recruitment more inclusive and aligned with current national needs.
By: Sampson W Weah - sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
The National Defense Act of 2008 was enacted during Liberia’s post-war security reform process to rebuild the AFL into a professional, non-political institution. It introduced strict recruitment standards, civilian oversight, and human rights safeguards intended to promote discipline and accountability within the military.
Under the proposed amendment, Liberians between the ages of 18 and 35 would be eligible to enlist, provided they have at least a 7th-grade education and meet the AFL’s medical, physical, and professional requirements.
The bill also proposes the establishment of a vetting committee under the Ministry of National Defense to screen applicants and ensure that individuals with records of human rights violations are excluded. It further emphasizes the need for the AFL to reflect the country’s national character.
If passed, implementation will be carried out by the Ministry of National Defense in coordination with the AFL’s Command Authority.
Representative Bannie said the initiative is intended to widen opportunities for citizens willing to serve and to strengthen the operational capacity of the military.
“This bill is about giving ordinary Liberians a fair chance to serve and building a stronger, more prepared armed forces,” he said.
The bill has been forwarded to the relevant committee for review and will return to plenary for further consideration.
