Justice Minister/Attorney General of Liberia Delivers Special Remarks at Armed Forces of Liberia Military Justice and the Rule of Law Conference
The Minister of Justice/Attorney General, Cllr. Natu Oswald Tweh making remarks at the opening of a 3-day Legal Conference organized by the Arm Forces of Liberia, October 28, 2024, at the Barclay Training Center, under the theme: Military Justice and the Rule of Law , praised the High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia( AFL) headed by Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Davidson F. Forleh for the transformation and rebranding of the Force since the end of the Liberian Civil War.
The Attorney General asserted that the trust and confidence the people of Liberia have in the gallant men and women of the AFL now, is as a result of the transformation, rebranding and trust that has been restored by the post -war leadership of the Armed Forces. The Attorney General also reminded the Chief of Staff and his team that in time past , public trust in the AFL was eroded and dwindled during the civil war because the AFL was no longer seen as a force for good as it motto depicts, but became torn between waring factions.
However, the strides made after the civil war by past governments and this current administration through robust and holistic efforts that has rebranded and transformed the AFL is even more important to be maintained to sustain the restored trust of the people of Liberia.
Additionally, Justice Minister Tweh encouraged those who are to be made Judge Advocates to take cognizance of the huge responsibility the role comes with. “The Judge Advocate must ensure respect and adherence to the rule of Law, impartially administer justice by defending the Army and soldiers in the military on matters that affect their reputation and rights respectively, while prosecuting soldiers who may come in conflict with the laws, rules, and regulations of the army and the constitution in keeping with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the Constitution of Liberia.”
In conclusion, the Attorney General used the occasion to charge personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia to set themselves apart by respecting and upholding the rule of Law, respecting the rights of civilians and remaining disciplined at all times in their duty to country.
He thanked the organizers of the conference and admonished participants to use this opportunity to advance themselves as members of a professional body.
Cllr. Arthur Johnson delivered the Keynote Address, followed by remarks from the President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LIBA), Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie, a representative from the United Nations Development Program, Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Defense, a representative from the Law Reform Commission, the Independent Human Rights Commission, among others.