Liberia’s newly appointed Defense Minister, Prince C. Johnson, has resigned from his position just 10 days after his appointment, citing protests by soldiers’ wives as the reason for his decision.
This development marks the first political crisis for President Joseph Boakai since his inauguration.
In response to Johnson’s resignation, General Geraldine Janet George has been swiftly named as a provisional replacement for the position.
Johnson stated that his resignation was prompted by the “current political and civil disturbances” caused by the ongoing protests by the wives of Liberian soldiers.
The women had set up roadblocks, leading to the cancellation of National Army Day celebrations, as they raised grievances including low salaries, pensions, lack of social security, electricity shortages, and corruption within the armed forces.
The soldiers’ wives specifically demanded Johnson’s resignation, holding him responsible for salary reductions for soldiers who had returned from Mali.
President Boakai responded to the protests by urging the army to lift the roadblocks immediately and meeting with the soldiers’ wives to address their concerns.
Boakai has taken immediate steps to address some of the grievances, including ordering the restoration of electricity and providing free classes in a barracks school.
The president has appealed for calm as the government works to address the long-standing issues raised by the protesters.
