Africa-Press – Liberia. As the Armed Forces of Liberia begins its week-long activities that are geared toward its celebration on February 11, speakers at the 65th Armed Forces Day Symposium at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town have stressed the need to put more attention to the threat posed by disadvantage youth that are referred to as zogos.
The Armed Forces Day historically came into existence by legislation on February 11, 1957, with the sole intent of paying homage to the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia who are making tireless sacrifices to maintain the security of Liberia, and those who have sacrificed their lives in line of their duties for their Country and its people.
On February 11, 2022, the Armed Forces of Liberia will be celebrating its 65th Armed Forces Day and 114 years of existence, since 1908.
The theme for the 65th Armed Forces Day Symposium is the “Enhancing the Security of Liberia through Comprehensive Approach”.
Of recent, the issue of disadvantage youths has been a serious discussion in Liberia after some disadvantage youths (zogos) allegedly terrorized worshipers that led to a stampede which cause the death of over 30 persons in the Borough of New Kru Town.
Serving as the keynote speaker, Col. Cecil Griffiths (Rtd) stressed the need to address what he terms as a looming national security threat in the country.
According to Col. Grifiths, the lack of respect for the rule of law, economy, poverty and unemployment, poor national resources management, de-activated ex-servicemen and ex-combatants as some of the threats that could hamper the peace in Liberia.
“New threats have emerged since the publication of the strategy in 2008, such as election fraud, conflicts and violence and threats posed by the Zogos,” Col. Griffiths said.
Eddie Jarwolo is the Executive Director for Naymote Partners for Democratic Development. He stressed the need to deal with the issue of disadvantage youths roaming around the streets of Liberia.
Mr. Jarwolo further called on the Liberian Senate to pass the drug law and also conduct a rigorous drug test on students and even individuals who are seeking public office.
“Pass the drug law. Let every student before writing entrance take the drug test. Everyone before competing in election take the drug test,” Mr. Jarwolo said.
Jarwolo said from survey done by his organization few months back, 90 percent of the 26 electoral districts the survey was conducted in say AFL is the most trusted security in Liberia while police are rated the least.
The Executive Director for Naymote Partners for Democratic Development also frowned on the ex-rebel leaders wearing uniforms and the government is saying nothing about it.
Also, Senator Steve Zargo of Lofa County said as Head of National Security and Intelligent at the Liberian Senate said his team in the next few weeks will be coming out with plan to curtail what he refers to as potential threat from the zogos.
“As soon we set up our plan, we will nipped those guys called zogos”
The Lofa County Senator also frowned at individuals who are in the habit of wearing the army uniform adding that it could demoralize the respect that many Liberians have for the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Senator Zargo said: “No one should wear AFL uniform. You know how our Liberian people can think. We don’t want your (AFL) rating to drop because you are the force for good.”
Also, the Minister of Justice Frank Musa Dean praised the AFL for maintaining the standard of professionalism despite limited resources.
“You are making progress amidst the challenges to provide security for everyone in the country,” Minister Dean said.
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