Jefferson Koijee, the Secretary General of the Coalition for Democratic Change and former Mayor of Monrovia, has sharply criticized the inadequate salaries of Liberia’s armed forces, stating that the current system is devaluing the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who protect the nation.
Koijee in an op-ed highlighted that soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) earn an alarmingly low base salary of just US$184 a month, while higher-ranking enlisted personnel, such as Command-Sergeant Majors, receive only US$440.11 a month.
He drew attention to the stark contrast between their compensation and the costs associated with government operations, pointing out that a single generator assigned to a presidential appointee costs US$3,622—an amount that takes six months for soldiers to collectively earn.
“A nation that pays generators more than soldiers has declared war on its defenders,” Koijee declared.
He expressed outrage over the exploitation faced by those who lay their lives on the line to protect the country’s sovereignty, calling the current wages a “shameful exploitation” and a betrayal of their service.
Koijee’s remarks come amid ongoing struggles for ordinary Liberians dealing with a failing healthcare system, rampant social injustices, and a surge of gender-based violence.
He referenced recent statistics from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, revealing that over 2,700 cases of rape have been reported from January to October 2024, with a significant percentage occurring in Montserrado County.
He urged the public not to lose hope, asserting that “your present situation is not your final destination.” Speaking directly to the marginalized and disillusioned citizens, he offered words of encouragement, emphasizing that their worth is not defined by their current hardships.
Koijee called on Liberians to unite against a government he accused of failing its citizens. He remarked, “Liberia is indeed cursed by two wicked leaders,” referencing the current political leadership and their leadership inaction as a “poisonous serpent with two heads.”
As he rallied support for the movement, he promised to stand alongside the people in their struggle for dignity and justice: “There will be no price too high to pay to stand up for the heart and soul of our noble country,” he said, reminding citizens that they are “becoming” more than the trials they face.
