By Stephen G. Fellajuah
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia, October 16, 2026 – More than 1,000 former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers gathered in Paynesville on Thursday, demanding payment of alleged salary arrears dating back 36 years, increased pensions, and a legislative investigation into grievances surrounding the disbandment of the former military.
The veterans, led by their national chairman, retired Captain William Phillip Anderson, assembled at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex Gymnasium on October 15 to press the government to address what they described as decades of unresolved financial and welfare concerns.
“The disbandment of the former Armed Forces of Liberia affected thousands of soldiers and their families. We want the government to address the unresolved grievances and concerns arising from that decision,” Anderson said.
He disclosed that the veterans are preparing to petition the National Legislature on Tuesday, October 20, seeking an independent review of their claims and appropriate legislative intervention.
According to Anderson, changes in Liberia’s currency and military payroll arrangements over the years allegedly undermined the value of soldiers’ original United States dollar earnings, raising questions about outstanding government obligations.
He estimated that individual claims for lower-ranking soldiers could begin at approximately US$25,000, depending on their former ranks, salaries, and the method used to calculate the alleged arrears.
However, he acknowledged that the government’s potential financial obligation remains undetermined and would require comprehensive verification of eligible beneficiaries and their claims.
Beyond the alleged arrears, the veterans are demanding higher pensions and amendments to the Veterans Act to strengthen their legal recognition, welfare benefits, and participation in national development.
Anderson also proposed changes to the Defense Act that would require the defense minister, deputy and assistant defense ministers, and directors within the Ministry of National Defense to be former military personnel.
He further called for qualified veterans to be considered for appointments as national security advisers and military attachés at Liberian diplomatic missions.
The former soldiers are also seeking opportunities to contribute their expertise in engineering, medicine, agriculture, and security, including supporting border protection and national reconstruction initiatives.
Anderson argued that utilizing their professional experience would enable the government to benefit from their skills while improving their economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the veterans have raised concerns about the accuracy of government records, alleging that some former soldiers were excluded from previous documentation and benefit arrangements.
Anderson said his organization is compiling an independent database to establish the number of eligible veterans and beneficiaries, eliminate duplication, and provide a credible basis for calculating claims.
According to him, the group’s records identify approximately 17,800 living veterans, with the figure potentially increasing to 28,000 when widows and other beneficiaries are included.
He said the nationwide verification exercise would continue ahead of the planned petition to the Legislature on Tuesday.
The veterans’ claims, including the alleged 36 years of arrears and the number of eligible beneficiaries, have not been independently verified.
The government’s position on the demands was not provided in the report, efforts to obtain response from the Ministry of National Defense as at press time prove futile. The Assistant Minister for Defense for Press and Public Affairs was unreachable.
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