By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Ministry of National Defense has announced that the 2026 recruitment into the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) is on hold pending the release of funds. The update came alongside confirmation that illegal activities have been cleared from Sapo National Park and details for the upcoming 69th Armed Forces Day celebration.
Speaking at a Ministry of Information press briefing, Deputy Minister for Operations, Hon. Spencer G.N. Leeco, explained that plans for the 2026 AFL enlistment, originally slated to begin in February, are delayed due to the non-release of funds.
“As soon as the money is made available, we will kick off the exercise,” he assured.
He emphasized that recruitment into the AFL is free and requires no recommendations or intermediaries. The requirements are: Liberian citizenship, ages 18–35;
High school graduation with a WAEC certificate or current college enrollment; Physical and mental fitness, supported by a police clearance and health certificate issued within the last three months; Proof of citizenship via National ID, Voter Registration Card, Birth Certificate, Passport, or Naturalization Certificate; and Two passport-size photos with a white background, along with other relevant documents.
Recruitment will be conducted across four regions, with testing centers in Monrovia, Tubmanburg, Gbarnga, Zwedru, and Harper. Minister Leeco also extended gratitude to the Government of Liberia, particularly President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., as Commander-in-Chief, for the directive and support that enabled the AFL to restore order in Sapo National Park.
He stated that illegal mining, the killing of protected species, and an influx of foreigners had posed serious threats to both Liberia’s rainforest and national security. He confirmed the park is now cleared, with AFL troops remaining deployed to maintain security.
The Deputy Minister disclosed that an initial platoon of 45 soldiers has been recalled following reports of alleged compromise and a recent shooting incident. The affected soldiers and their commanders are under investigation and will face action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) if found culpable.
He concluded by outlining activities for the 69th Armed Forces Day anniversary on February 11. Commemorations began on February 1 with a 7.5-kilometer memorial run honoring late AFL officer Lt. Cdr. Venus Dean Nelson, followed by parades, symposiums, religious services, sporting events, and civil-military outreach.
The official ceremony on February 11, 2026, at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) will feature the hosting of the National Flag and a grand military parade. This year’s guest speaker will be the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with delegations expected from Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and the United States.
The celebrations will culminate in an invitation-only Armed Forces Day Ball at the Executive Pavilion.
