Armed Forces of Liberia dismisses two soldiers for assault

The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has dismissed two soldiers, Sergeant Robert Menyongar and Abu Sheriff, following the alleged assault of a woman in the Thinkers Village community of Paynesville. The incident, which gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media, led to the soldiers being handcuffed and turned over to authorities for criminal investigation on October 21, 2026.

AFL Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Davidson Forleh characterized the personnel as “bad apples” and “virus,” stating their conduct violated military norms and the standards expected of those entrusted to protect the public. As part of the disciplinary action, Forleh ordered the immediate removal of the soldiers' families from military barracks.

While the victim, Blessings Kpalleh, expressed a desire for accountability, she also appealed for leniency, stating she did not want the soldiers to lose their careers. Despite this appeal, the military proceeded with the dismissals. The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) commended the AFL’s decision as a step toward institutional accountability and urged the military to ensure the victim receives full medical, psychological, and rehabilitative support.