By Othello Sarweh Nimely
Monrovia-The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has dishonorably discharged two personnel, Sergeant Robertfield Mayon and Sergeant Abu S.B. Sheriff, following the circulation of a viral video showing them assaulting a woman.
The dismissal comes after the two soldiers allegedly violated the AFL’s disciplinary code, prompting action by the military leadership following a complaint filed by the victim.
According to information surrounding the incident, a group of children regularly played football in an open space behind a house rented by a woman identified as Lucy Darko. However, Darko reportedly became concerned that the football frequently struck the zinc roofing of her house, leading to a dispute over the children’s use of the area as a playing field.
The information further indicated that, in an attempt to stop the situation, Darko contacted individuals she described as her brothers, who were serving in the AFL.
When the soldiers arrived at the scene, the boys who usually played football in the area reportedly fled, leaving their sister, identified as Blessing, behind. She subsequently became the direct victim of the incident, according to the account.
A viral video of the incident showed the woman being beaten by the soldiers, sparking public concern over the conduct of military personnel and the treatment of civilians.
Following the complaint filed by the victim, the AFL leadership ordered the dismissal of the two personnel, Sergeant Robertfield Mayon and Sergeant Abu S.B. Sheriff from the force.
The AFL Chief of Staff, AFL Chief of Staff Major General Davidson F. Forleh ordered the Liberia National Police to handcuff the dismissed soldiers and charge them.
In addition to their discharge, the Chief of Staff reportedly directed that the families of the former soldiers be removed from AFL barracks and taken to the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex area, where they were expected to find their way home.
Describing the two dismissed personnel as “bad apples” within the AFL, the military chief said their removal should serve as a deterrent to other soldiers and reinforce the importance of discipline within the institution.
The incident has renewed concerns about the conduct of security personnel and the need for members of the armed forces to respect the rights and dignity of civilians.
However, Blessing expressed sadness over their dismissal, saying she wanted the soldiers to face some form of punishment but did not want them to lose their military careers.
For his part, one of the disrobed officials Sergeant Robertfield Mayon pleaded for mercy to go home and take his children from school before they are move from the barrack.
The AFL’s decision to discharge the two soldiers underscores the military leadership’s stated commitment to enforcing its disciplinary standards and holding personnel accountable for misconduct.
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