Top Lawyer Makes Urgent Call for Greater Budgetary Support to AFL -Varmah Says $5.2m for 2,000 Soldiers Unacceptable

By H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA – The President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, has made passionate appeal to the Government of Liberia to significantly increase budgetary allocation to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), citing concerns over the military’s current manpower capacity.

According to a release issued yesterday under the signature of the LNBA Sectary General Cllr Elisha T. J. Forkeyoh, Cllr. Varmah made the remarks at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) on Wednesday, July23, 2025, during a ceremony marking the promotion of several AFL officers.

He expressed serious concern over the country’s limited military strength in the face of growing national and regional security challenges.

“It is simply unacceptable that a sovereign country with a population of over 5.2 million people is served by an army of barely 2.000 soldiers,” Cllr. Varmah declared.

“This is not only a security gap but a strategic vulnerability that must be urgently addressed through concrete policy and fiscal interventions,” he further opined, praising the AFL for its discipline, professionalism, and continued service to the nation but warned that no matter how committed and well-trained, a small force cannot reasonably be expected to meet the constitutional and operational demands required to safeguard the Republic.

The release said the LNBA President called on the Liberian Legislature, the Ministry of Defense, and the national budgetary authorities to prioritize the defense sector in forthcoming fiscal cycles.

He emphasized that Liberia’s post-conflict reconstruction and peace-building gains could be threatened if security institutions remain under-resourced.

“In an increasingly unstable regional environment, where terrorism, transnational crimes, and political unrest are on the rise, Liberia must invest now in the strength and readiness of its armed forces,” Cllr. Varmah urged.

“The peace we enjoy today cannot be taken for granted,” he said.

Cllr. Varmah noted that the LNBA, as part of its broader advocacy for good governance, rule of law, and national security, remains committed to supporting reforms and public awareness efforts that highlight the need for sustainable investment in national defense infrastructure.

The BTC event was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, high-ranking military officers, and civil society stakeholders.

The ceremony also celebrated the professional achievements of several AFL officers whose promotions were a testament to their dedication and service.