Armed Forces of Liberia Fires Three Members Over Serious Misconduct and Drug Use

Monrovia: The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has taken decisive action by administratively discharging three active-duty personnel due to serious misconduct and drug-related offenses.

This action was carried out in accordance with Section 7.7() of the National Defense Act of 2008, citing conduct detrimental to the service and contravention of the Republic of Liberia's Constitution.

First Lieutenant (1Lt) Abraham Dolo (OF/ 2017-177)**: Originally enlisting as a Private in 2009, 1Lt Abraham Dolo rose through the ranks to become a Second Lieutenant in 2017 and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 2020.

He was recently assigned to the 23rd Infantry Brigade. His discharge follows an incident in February 2024 where a 15-year-old boy was accidentally shot with his firearm at a localdrinking spot. During investigations, 1Lt Dolo admitted to negligence, citing intoxication and leaving his firearm unattended while using the restroom. A subsequent medical examination also tested positive for marijuana.

Private First Class (PFC) Kerkula Rocheforte (EN/2015-08/2367)**: Enlisted in 2015, PFC Kerkula Rocheforte was last stationed with the AFL Engineer Battalion in Gbarnga, Bong County. His discharge stems from being found in possession of 32 wraps of Kush drugs within the barracks.

A subsequent test at the 14 Military Hospital confirmed his positive result for marijuana Private (Pvt) Essa Bility (EN/ 2022-09/2561)**: Enlisting in October 2022, Pvt Essa Bility was most recently serving with the Armed Forces Training Command.

Pvt Bility tested positive for nultiple illegal substances, including cocaine and marijuana, leading to his discharge The discharge orders were issued by His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.

The AFL High Command reiterated its commitment to upholding a "zero tolerance" policy on drug abuse and emphasized the importance of disciplinin maintaining national duty. 

They reassured the public of their dedication to maintaining professionalism and discipline within the Armed Forces of Liberia as they continue to serve as a "Force for Good."

This action underscores the AFLs stance against impunity and reinforces its role in ensuring integrity and accountability among its ranks

Below is the full Press release from the Ministry of Defense

The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) administratively discharged three personnel for the “Good of the Service and/or for conduct not in keeping with AFL standards, and conduct which contravenes the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia,” in accordance with Section 7.7(j) of the National Defense Act of 2008.

The discharged personnel include:

First Lieutenant (1Lt) Abraham Dolo (OF/2017-177)

Private First Class (PFC) Kerkula Rocheforte (EN/2015-08/2367)

Private (Pvt) Essa Bility (EN/2022-09/2561)

Discharged 1Lt Abraham Dolo enlisted as a Private in the AFL in 2009, became a Second Lieutenant in 2017, and was promoted to First Lieutenant in 2020. He was last assigned to the 23rd Infantry Brigade. 

It can be recalled that in February 2024, a 15-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder by a friend at a local drinking spot in the Baptist Seminary, Paynesville Area, using Lt. Dolo's firearm. Lt. Dolo admitted to the Liberian National Police and AFL Military Police that he had been intoxicated and left his firearm unattended while using the restroom. 

A subsequent medical examination on 1Lt Dolo tested him positive with marijuana.

The authority for this discharge is His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia.

Discharged PFC Kerkula Rocheforte enlisted in 2015 and was last assigned to the AFL Engineer Battalion in Gbarnga, Bong County. PFC Rocheforte was found in possession of 32 wraps of Kush drugs in the Barracks. 

He was later tested positive for marijuana at the 14 Military Hospital.

The authority for this for this administrative discharge is Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.

Discharged Pvt Essa Bility enlisted in October 2022 and was last assigned to the Armed Forces Training Command. Pvt. Bility tested positive for four different illegal substances, including cocaine and marijuana.

The authority for this for this administrative discharge is Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.

It can be recalled that on June 21, 2024, Staff Sergeant Mohammed Rogers was also administratively discharged under Section 7.7(j) of the National Defense Act of 2008.

The authority for this for this administrative discharge is Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Liberia.

The High Command of the AFL reminds its members of the "zero tolerance" policy on drug abuse and the importance of discipline, which is fundamental to national duty. Impunity will not be tolerated within our noble institution. 

The High Command reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism as a "Force for Good."