Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-21 08:07:37
The Concerned Widows and Children of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have given President Joseph Nyuma Boakai a deadline to address their lingering concerns or they will sit and cook in the streets of Monrovia in their numbers. They have set a deadline of March 15, 2024 for their issues to be settled.
These women, whose husbands died in cold blood during the Liberian Civil crisis in defense of their country, have been engaging previous administrations for their benefits. Some of them have unfortunately met their untimely deaths in the struggle.
Speaking at their Star Base Office on Bushrod Island, the Chairperson of the Concerned Widows and Children of the AFL, Madam Mary Allison recounted that former President George Manneh Weah arranged a meeting with their leadership in 2018. However, the engagement was not successful, ushering in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s presidency.
The widows are demanding to receive US$1,000 each, with the amount previously negotiated with former President Weah but was reduced from US$1,500 due to financial constraints faced by the Coalition for Democratic Change administration.
Madam Allison also requested President Boakai to create opportunities for the widows to get involved in agricultural and other commercial activities across the country, enabling them to be self-dependent and help their families by providing their benefits.
She also called on Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Senate Pro-tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence to meet with the Liberian Chief Executive to discuss how to pay their benefits and lay the matter to rest.
Madam Allison stressed the urgency of the matter, appealing to the President to call for a round table discussion on the issue before March 15, 2024. She also emphasized the need for the widows to be included in agriculture, expressing her confidence that they can be productive in that sector.
However, she threatened to mobilize all 2,500 widows to protest in the streets of Monrovia and cook palm butter if their demands are not met. Despite the Liberian government owing each of them US$1,000, Madam Allison urged the President to use his discretion and make something available to support their livelihoods.
The Concerned Widows and Children of the AFL are determined to see their benefits settled and are willing to take drastic action to ensure their voices are heard and their demands are met. Their commitment to actively engage in the process reflects their unwavering determination to secure the support they rightfully deserve.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
