What was best known about widows of deceased soldiers of the national army for nearly a decade had been street protest and lamentations over benefits they desire from Government over the passing of their husbands who faithfully served the Liberian state. It was either that the past political administrations, chiefly that of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, were playing games with the women or the widows were playing games with the government. The result often came in sporadic demonstrations to attract attention to their plights or to cause government settle their claims, much of which was reportedly settled. It seems the women are taking their claims-making struggle lightly under the regime of President George Manneh Weah. This time, they were not on Capitol Hill to protest and demonstrate; they were quietly ushered into the hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, temporary home of the Liberian presidency, where they held talks with the Chief of Office Staff of the President. The Analyst reports.
The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs has called on the women of Liberia to continuously pray for the country’s peace and stability towards unhindered development and progress.
Mr. Nathaniel Farlo McGill, who was acting chair of the cabinet in the absence of President George Manneh Weah, said women’s role in the attainment of peace and stability is cardinal in moving the country forward.
The Minister made the statement Friday, July 12, 2019 at the Cecil Dennis Auditorium at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when he met a throng of widows of deceased soldiers of the Armed Force of Liberia (AFL).
Considering the critical Liberian women played during the civil war not only through prayers and the upkeep of the family but also for the attainment of peace, Minister McGill reminded them to continue to play the same role during these trying times.
The women, who were attired in their usual white T-shirts and head-ties, had gone to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to show appreciation to the government, particularly to President George Manneh Weah, for the level of efforts they said he is exerting to make Liberia a better place for all.
They also used the occasion to update the government on issues confronting them.
Minister McGill told the women that President Weah is a good leader who is concerned about the welfare of every Liberian, stressing “The President is a good man who has a heart for his people.”
“The President wants to see his people lifted out of poverty and the country developed,” the Presidential Chief of Office Staff said further. “President Weah’s ascendancy to the Liberian presidency is the will of God; and not by any man’s will.”
Minister McGill used the occasion to assure the AFL widows of Government’s continuous support in addressing whatever issues they may have.
He also assured the women that President Weah would take time off his schedule to meet with them before the country’s 172nd Independence celebrations.
Earlier speaking on behalf of the women, Madam Mary Allison thanked President Weah for the extraordinary efforts he is exerting to make Liberia a better place for all.
She said her group has a long history and tendency of praying for the government since its ascendancy because, according to her, “it’s worthy to pray for the success of the government and the country than to criticize.”
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