The Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have announced the securing of a donation over $20 million United States Dollars’ worth of essential logistics equipment from the African Union (AU).
AFL believes the contribution marks a critical step in boosting the it’s operational capacity by reinforcing both Liberia’s national security, regional commitments to peace and stability in West Africa and the world at large.According to a press release, the achievement is as the 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, Military Staff Committee on the Peace and Security Council at the AU.
AFL says General Davidson F. Forleh persistent advocacy for logistical support culminated in the AFL being selected for this substantial assistance. The equipment, originally donated to the AU by the Chinese Government, is stored at the AU Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
The Army narrated that 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, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, representing President Nyuma Boakai, 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.
This 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, had 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 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 Twenty Million Six Hundred One Thousand Five Hundred Twenty-nine Dollars and Forty-six Cents (US $20,601,529.46).”, the release stated.
Among these are cargo trucks, military protective assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, combat jeeps, bulldozers, cranes, fuel tanks, fire truck, along with mounted weapon systems, spare parts and other materiel.
The equipment, according to AFL 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, stating, “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.”
The Minister of National Defense, Brigadier General Geraldine J. George (Retired), commended the efforts behind this achievement, stating: “This is 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 these vital equipment, which will bolster our national defense and readiness.”
Meanwhile, AFL representatives, led by Brigadier General Forleh and accompanied by officials from the Ministry of National Defense, are expected to travel to Cameroon to inspect the equipment.
The Government of Liberia is however responsible to ship the equipment to Liberia.
AFL also said it anticipates the delivery of the logistics package to Liberia within two months, where it will be strategically distributed across AFL Bases to enhance readiness and operational efficiency.
“This significant partnership among the AFL, the African Union, and the Government of Liberia reaffirms Liberia’s role in regional security.”
According to AFL , it remains committed to strengthening its capabilities through ongoing collaboration with international and regional partners.
