08/30/2007

New recruits have been drawn from every ethnic group and all 15 Liberian counties. An extensive media campaign drew villagers by foot, car and bus to take part in the process. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf wants 20% of Liberia's new soldiers to be women. All applicants are held to the same selection standards. They must be Liberian citizens between 18 and 45, free of HIV, TB and drug use, and able to pass basic knowledge and fitness tests before they are invited to return.

There has been a very strong emphasis on ensuring that those with a history of committing human rights abuses are not admitted to the AFL. Through exams, interviews, and public announcements, 75 percent of the candidates who applied to the new army were rejected. At present, no single ethnic group makes up more than 15% of the AFL.