Gongloe On 1994 ‘Military Justice’ Experience

Counselor Tiawon Saye Gongloe (TSG) says, his decades-old experience in the military justice system continues to contribute to the growth of national institutions.

Cllr. Gongloe is a human rights lawyer, and a former presidential candidate for the Liberian People’s Party (LPP).

He recently received a high-level courtesy visit from Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) senior military officers, and those from Sierra Leone, the United States, and Nigeria, including generals, and colonels.

The delegation was led by the Judge Advocate of the Armed Forces of Liberia.

Members of the delegation sought Gongloe’s counsel, advice on the establishment of a court-martial board for the AFL, an important component of military justice.

While reflecting on the significance of the visit, Cllr. Gongloe recalled his role in the 1994 military justice system, when he was commissioned as a colonel, and served as trial counsel in the prosecution of several generals, and other senior solderis the regime then accused of attempting to overthrow the transitional government.

The government was then headed Counselor David Kpomakpor.

Gongloe: “The experience gave me firsthand knowledge of the challenges, and responsibilities associated with military justice, and the rule of law.”

He said, the visit was particularly meaningful, “because more than three decades after his service, his experience can still be used to strengthen the military justice system, and national institutions. Institutions become stronger when one generation preserves its experience, and passes it on to the next.”

Gongloe emphasized the need for public service not to be viewed as ending when an individual leaves office, or completes an official assignment.

“Service does not end when you leave office.”

Gongloe underscored the importance of continuing contribution of knowledge, and experience to national development.

The engagement comes as Liberia works to strengthen professional standards, accountability, and institutional capacity within the AFL.

“Institutions become stronger when one generation preserves its experience, and passes it onto the next.”

Gongloe spoke of his commitment to public service, which he said, should continue even after leaving an official position.

“Service does not end when you leave office.”

Members of the delegation listened to TSG’s experiences, and insights from his years of service in Liberia’s military justice system.