By Amos HarrisPresident Joseph Nyuma Boakai has unveiled an ambitious plan to recruit 600 new personnel into the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) between 2026 and 2029. While the administration frames the move as a necessary step for national security, it has already sparked intense discussion regarding the government’s financial capacity and its broader developmental priorities. During his keynote address, President Boakai characterized the recruitment drive as a central component of a reform agenda designed to address attrition and the aging profile of the current force. Beyond the recruitment goals, President Boakai pledged to improve the living standards of those already in uniform. On the issue of institutional reform, President Boakai reiterated his commitment to increasing female participation within the AFL.

Source: GNN Liberia February 11, 2026 20:04 UTC