Finance Minister Ngafuan Announces US$20.7M Military Budget to Strengthen AFL

Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberian Government has increased the Ministry of National Defense’s budget in the 2026 national budget to US$20.7 million, with US$18.3 million earmarked specifically for the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Ngafuan, revealed that over US$12.7 million of this allocation will go toward salaries for military personnel. He made the disclosure on Monday while delivering the keynote address at the graduation of 56 officer-candidates at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia.

According to Minister Ngafuan, the AFL budget is projected to grow annually, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the military in line with national priorities.

Speaking at the same ceremony, AFL Chief of Staff Major General Davidson Forley said the military aims to restore the AFL to its pre-war strength, which stood at around 5,000 personnel. He noted that the current force is approximately brigade-level, though he did not provide exact numbers.

Minister of National Defense Geraldine George reminded the newly commissioned officers that leadership in the AFL is a responsibility, not a privilege. She urged them to remain loyal to civilian authority, uphold the Liberian Constitution, and maintain professionalism, discipline, and respect for democratic governance.

Minister George also reassured that the government is committed to improving the welfare of all members of the AFL.

The graduation ceremony at the Barclay Training Center’s Grandstand was attended by AFL top officials, senior Ministry of National Defense officials, members of the National Legislature, and the families of the graduates.