Monrovia, Liberia — Attorney Siaffa Bahn Kemokai has welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s appointment of Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh as Acting Minister of National Defense, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the ministry and advance reforms within Liberia’s security sector.
Kemokai, a former Special Assistant to Tweh during his tenure as Minister of Justice, described the appointment as an opportunity to bring his previous experience in justice and national security to the defense portfolio.
In a statement issued following the appointment, Kemokai praised President Boakai for retaining Tweh in the Cabinet and said his previous service provides a strong foundation for the new assignment.
Reflecting on their time at the Ministry of Justice, Kemokai cited several initiatives undertaken under Tweh’s leadership, including efforts to strengthen the rule of law, advance justice-sector reforms and improve coordination among security institutions.
He specifically referenced the modernization of border protection and the introduction of visa-on-arrival platforms with support from the African Development Bank. He also highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Justice’s first Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, which incorporated human rights and gender considerations into the Ministry’s policy framework.
Kemokai further pointed to Tweh’s role in convening a national joint security retreat that brought together law-enforcement institutions to assess Liberia’s security situation and review the country’s New National Security Strategy.
According to Kemokai, the experience demonstrated the importance of coordination and cooperation among security agencies in addressing national security challenges.
He expressed confidence that Tweh will apply similar principles at the Ministry of National Defense, particularly in strengthening institutional coordination, improving morale among personnel and advancing the modernization of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Kemokai also urged attention to the welfare of military personnel, citing the need to address congestion in barracks, improve social services and upgrade residential facilities.
He concluded by congratulating Tweh and wishing him success in his new assignment, adding that effective leadership should prioritize both institutional development and the welfare of those serving the country.
