Liberia’s newly appointed defense minister resigned from his post just 10 days after assuming office, following a protest by soldiers’ wives, the presidency announced on Monday. 

The resignation marks the first political crisis for President Joseph Boakai since his inauguration at the end of January.

In his resignation letter, the former defense minister cited “the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of service men.” He expressed his desire to “preserve the peace and security of the State.”

The protest led by wives of Liberian soldiers saw roadblocks being set up near the capital Monrovia and elsewhere in the country, resulting in the cancellation of planned National Army Day celebrations. 

The women aired grievances including low salaries, inadequate pensions, lack of social security, electricity shortages, and corruption within the armed forces. They also blamed the defense minister for a reduction in the salaries of Liberian soldiers returning from peace missions in Mali.

Responding swiftly to the resignation, the presidency announced a provisional replacement, appointing General Geraldine Janet George to the key post.