The Ministry of National Defense /Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) says it has secured a donation of over US$20 worth of essential logistics equipment from the African Union (AU).
According to an MOD release, the donation marks a critical step in boosting the AFL’s operational capacity, reinforcing both Liberia’s national security, its regional commitments to peace and stability in West Africa and the world at large.
The achievement is also a result of long-term diplomatic and military efforts, beginning in 2018 when Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh, now Chief of Staff of the AFL, served as Liberia’s Defense Attaché and also Chairman of the Military Staff Committee on the Peace and Security Council at the AU.
The release said General Forleh’s persistent advocacy for logistical support culminated in the AFL being selected for the substantial assistance; adding, the equipment, originally donated to the AU by the Chinese Government, is stored at the AU Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
The release said at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States in February 2024, held in Addis Ababa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, representing President Joseph N. Boakai, President and Commander- in -Chief of the AFL, was informed about the AU’s intent to supply Liberia with both lethal and non-lethal equipment stored at the Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
The commitment was further solidified during the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety, and Security, held in June 2024. During the session, the Chief of Staff held a side meeting with Dr. Sarjo Bah, Director of Conflict Management of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of the AU Commission, and a follow-up on the logistical equipment and capacity building for the AFL was made.
“Today, it is pleasing to announce that the African Union has approved Liberia’s request and the AFL is set to receive the logistics package, which includes a wide range of military-grade assets valued at US $20,601,529.46,” the release said.
Among these are cargo trucks, military protective assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, combat jeeps, bulldozers, cranes, fuel tanks, fire trucks, along with mounted weapon systems, spare parts and other materiel.
This equipment will greatly enhance the AFL’s ability to perform troops’ transportation, field operations, disaster relief, and international peacekeeping missions, thus advancing Liberia’s contributions to regional security.
Brigadier General Forleh expressed deep gratitude for the AU’s support, saying, “This vital contribution will greatly improve AFL’s logistical capabilities, enabling us to better fulfill our mandate of protecting Liberia’s sovereignty, contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, and responding effectively to national emergencies.”
For her part, the Minister of National Defense, Brigadier General Geraldine J. George (Retired), commended the efforts behind this achievement, describing it as “a milestone for the AFL, made possible by the strong commitment of our government and the African Union.”
“I want to especially thank His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, for their pivotal roles in ensuring the AFL receives this vital equipment, which will bolster our national defense and readiness,” she said.
