Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has publicly defended the Armed Forces of Liberia’s (AFL) decision to evict residents from the 72nd Military Barracks, despite growing controversy and appeals from affected communities.
Addressing the ongoing land dispute between the AFL and residents of the 72nd Barracks Front View, President Boakai made it clear that the military would proceed with reclaiming its property and would not reverse its decision.
According to the Liberian leader and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the army will not reverse the decision to reclaim its properties.
“The Army is going to take their land, because that is their land, and they are entitled to decent livelihoods. God is not making new land—that is their place, and they are going to take it,” President Boakai stated.
Boakai emphasized that the AFL’s actions would not infringe on citizens’ rights.
“What I said to every ministry and agency is that you must not only do the work in the office but also know your access, so the army people know their access; they know what land belongs to them,” he explained.
He added that the AFL is aware of its land demarcation and would not violate anyone’s rights, but if boundaries are unclear, there are ways to resolve them.
Additionally, in his speech, while identifying with AFL fire victims at the Edward B. Kesselly (EBK) Military Barracks in Schiefflin, Margibi County, President Boakai reassures the AFL of his government’s commitment to improving their livelihoods.
He pledged ongoing renovations of military barracks across Liberia to ensure proper accommodation for AFL members.
“Our job is to make sure we make it convenient for you. You already make sacrifices for the country, and we, too, must stand by you. That is why we have started renovating camps and barracks across the country. Because you are entitled to a better livelihood and accommodation,” Boakai said.
However, President Boakai’s defense of the eviction has drawn sharp reactions from residents of the 72nd Barracks Front View, particularly the “Help Yourself Entertainment Center,” whose owners are seeking government intervention and compensation despite receiving an AFL eviction notice.
On February 5, 2026, a group of concerned residents led by the Help Yourself Entertainment Center petitioned the House of Representatives, seeking redress for the short eviction timeline, inconvenience, and compensation for property reportedly valued at over $1.5 million USD.
Mrs. Frances Morsay, CEO of Help Yourself, stated that she leased the property from the Smith family in 1975, prior to the construction of the military barracks in 1980.
She appealed for government pardon, citing an investment of over $500,000 in the property and ownership supported by a warranty deed.
The AFL’s move to reclaim its property on January 20, 2026, resulted in the eviction of more than 30,000 residents who had been living in military housing for shelter.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
