MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai, on the eve of Liberia’s Armed Forces Day celebration, has issued a directive for a scaled-back observance. The President’s call for reduced activities comes amidst ongoing protests from the wives and widows of Armed Forces personnel. They have urged President Boakai to reconsider his nomination of the former Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. (Retired) Prince C. Johnson III as Minister of Defense.

For the past two days, the women have carried out protests, blocking the main route leading to the country’s only international airport and other major routes. //

Meanwhile, the President met with the aggrieved women on Sunday and he listened to their grievances.