By: Blamo N. Toe/Contributing Writer +231775963245/+231880320363
blamotoe28@gmail.com
The leadership of Concerned Widows and Children of the Armed Forces of Liberia has issued an ultimatum to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, demanding the resolution of their grievances by March 15, 2024, or face mass protests on the streets of Monrovia.
Speaking to journalists at their Star Base Office on Bushrod Island on Monday, February 19, 2024, the Chairperson of the group, Madam Mary Allison, highlighted their dissatisfaction with the current administration’s lack of engagement. She contrasted this with a previous meeting arranged by former President George Manneh Weah in 2018, emphasizing that Boakai’s administration has shown little initiative in addressing their concerns.
Allison recalled a previous engagement facilitated by former Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson T. Koijee, where former President Weah had offered a partial settlement in late December 2023. However, she stressed that the promised benefits remained outstanding, with each widow expecting US$1,000, a figure negotiated down from US$1,500 due to financial constraints faced by the government.
“From now until March 15, I appeal to President Boakai to convene a meeting with us to find a resolution for the AFL widows,” Allison urged, emphasizing their desire to transition into agriculture if provided with the necessary support.
Despite acknowledging the government’s financial obligations, Allison urged President Boakai to exercise discretion and take proactive steps towards resolving their plight. Failure to address their concerns would result in the mobilization of all 2,500 widows for street protests, where they would cook palm butter as a symbolic demonstration of their demands.
“We seek dialogue, but if President Boakai fails to meet us, we will be left with no choice but to take to the streets,” Allison warned, underscoring the urgency of their situation.
The ultimatum sets the stage for a potential standoff between the government and the AFL widows, highlighting broader issues of social welfare and government responsiveness in Liberia.
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