Liberia: Cllr. Oswald Tweh Assumes Acting Defense Minister Post, Outlines Three Priorities

Acting Minister of National Defense, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh

MONROVIA – The Acting Minister of National Defense, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has outlined institutional continuity, soldier welfare and civil-military relations as his immediate priorities following his formal assumption of duties at the Ministry of National Defense.

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By Francis G. Boayue

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Cllr. Tweh, who recently served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 16 during a formal turnover ceremony at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.

He thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the Ministry of National Defense, describing his new assignment as an opportunity to continue serving within Liberia’s national security architecture.

“I stand before you today with a profound sense of humility, duty, and patriotism as I formally assume the role of Acting Minister of National Defense,” Cllr.Tweh said.

He also commended his predecessor, Brigadier General (Ret.) Geraldine J. George, for what he described as her “trailblazing leadership, dedication, and historic service” to the Ministry and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

Cllr. Tweh stated that the Ministry of National Defense has a distinct civilian oversight responsibility within Liberia’s constitutional framework, while the Chief of Staff of the AFL is responsible for operational and tactical command.

He referenced Article 50 of the Liberian Constitution, which establishes the President as Commander-in-Chief, and emphasized the importance of civilian control of the military.

“The Ministry of National Defense, therefore, serves as the civilian anchor,” Tweh said. “Our role is bureaucratic, strategic, and legal. It requires ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law, managing resources with transparency, and insulating our military from partisan politics.”

According to Cllr. Tweh, his commitment to civilian oversight is rooted in his legal background and Liberia’s experience with civil conflict.

He recalled his tenure as President of the Liberian National Bar Association in December 2007, when the Bar invited then-Defense Minister Brownie Samukai to speak on the rule of law within Liberia’s reconstituted military.

Cllr. Tweh said Samukai explained that in addition to military training recruits were being trained in Liberian civics, the constitutional authority of government and the principle of military subordination to civilian authority.

He also recalled serving as guest speaker on August 29, 2008 at the graduation of the final Initial Entry Training (IET) class and activation of the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 23rd Infantry Brigade of the AFL at the Barclay Training Center.

He described IET as a process through which civilian recruits are transformed into soldiers through training in military operations, drills, leadership, civic responsibilities and the chain of command.

Eighteen years later, Cllr. Tweh said his appointment to the Defense Ministry presents an opportunity to build on the institutional reforms that have taken place within the AFL.

Under his first priority, institutional continuity and strategic alignment, Cllr. Tweh said the Ministry will support implementation of its newly launched five-year strategic plan.

He said the plan expands Liberia’s national security focus beyond territorial defense to include disaster resilience, humanitarian assistance and engineering contributions to national development.

On soldier welfare and capability, Cllr. Tweh averred that the government must ensure that members of the AFL receive adequate support, equipment, healthcare and recognition.

“The well-being of our men and women in uniform is paramount,” he said, adding that he intends to work closely with the AFL command structure to improve conditions of service.

Cllr. Tweh’s third priority focuses on civil-military relations.

He described the AFL as a “Force for Good” and called for stronger relations between the military and communities through mutual respect, transparency and public accountability.

Addressing the Chief of Staff and members of the AFL, Cllr. Tweh pledged to serve as an advocate for the institution while working with international partners to protect Liberia’s peace and sovereignty.

“I pledge to be a fair, transparent, and tireless advocate for your institution,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ceremony brought together senior government officials, legislative leaders, military officers, civil servants, members of the diplomatic corps, international partners and representatives of the media.