After months of delay and mounting frustration within the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the Liberian government has finally allocated funding to transport $20 million worth of military equipment donated by the African Union (AU).
Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, Chair of the Senate Committee on Security, Defense, and Veteran Affairs, disclosed that the long-awaited funding was secured following multiple engagements with the government. The administration has now committed approximately $1 million to facilitate the shipment of the equipment from the AU’s Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
The AFL initially received the donation in October 2024, but the equipment remained stranded due to the government’s failure to provide financial support. The delay led to growing frustration among military officials, who feared it could undermine national security and operational readiness. Under the AU’s terms, Liberia was responsible for covering the transportation costs, but its failure to act swiftly raised concerns about the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
With all administrative and procedural requirements now met, the AFL awaits the Ministry of Finance’s final payment to initiate the shipment process. The logistics package will arrive in Liberia within two months and be distributed across AFL bases to enhance operational efficiency.
The donation, which includes lethal and non-lethal military supplies, resulted from years of diplomatic and military negotiations dating back to 2018. During the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State in February 2024, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was officially informed of the AU’s intent to supply military equipment to Liberia. This commitment was reaffirmed in June 2024 during discussions between AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh and AU officials on future capacity-building initiatives.
In a related development, Senator Cyrus confirmed that this year’s Armed Forces Day celebration will proceed as planned, contrasting to last year’s tensions within the military over resource constraints and leadership disputes. However, while the government’s funding commitment represents a significant step, lingering questions remain over the prolonged delay and whether future logistical support from regional partners could be affected by governance concerns.
