Monrovia, Liberia—A two-man delegation from the West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) initiative, led by Captain Rui Filipe and Commander Manuel dos Santos, visited the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Headquarters on Monday, November 11, 2024, to discuss efforts to bolster Liberia’s maritime security capabilities.
The delegation’s visit is part of a five-day mission to finalize plans for implementing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2022 between the Ministry of National Defense, the AFL, and Camões, Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, I.P., under the European Union-funded SWAIMS Program.
Upon their arrival, the delegation was warmly received by AFL High Command, including Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh, the AFL Chief of Staff, and Captain Willie John S-Kek, Commander of the Liberia Coast Guard (LCG).
Brigadier General Forleh expressed gratitude for the SWAIMS initiative and commended Captain Filipe for his efforts to enhance the Liberia Coast Guard’s capacity.
The SWAIMS program aims to strengthen maritime security across West Africa. It focuses on improving the rule of law at sea and tackling maritime crime, including illegal fishing, trafficking, and other illegal activities.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, the delegation’s visit will facilitate the delivery of two Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to the AFL. These boats are designed to support critical maritime law enforcement tasks such as patrols, search and rescue operations, and personnel transport in rough seas.
The RHIBs have durable, inflatable tubes for increased stability, buoyancy, and impact resistance, making them ideal for challenging maritime environments.
Along with the boats, the delegation discussed the provision of forensic equipment and training and maintenance support for Liberia Coast Guard personnel.
A key aspect of the visit is a tailored training program on using the RHIBs, which experts from the Portuguese Navy and the Portuguese National Maritime Authority will conduct.
This specialized training will ensure that Liberia’s Coast Guard personnel are fully equipped to meet the country’s unique maritime security needs.
SWAIMS is an ECOWAS-backed initiative that consists of eight projects aimed at enhancing the security of West Africa’s waters. Managed by Camões, I.P., the program seeks to provide the technical and operational resources necessary for ECOWAS member states to combat maritime threats effectively.
As part of the discussions, the delegation emphasized the importance of long-term coordination between the AFL, the Ministry of National Defense, and Camões, I.P., to ensure the program’s sustainability and successful implementation of its objectives.
Brigadier General Forleh and Captain S-Kek expressed their confidence that the collaboration with SWAIMS will significantly improve the Liberia Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard the nation’s waters and protect its maritime resources.
“This partnership is vital in enhancing our capacity to uphold the law at sea and to protect Liberia’s maritime interests,” said Captain S-Kek.
The visit underscores Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its maritime security capabilities as part of broader regional efforts to secure West African waters from illegal activities and ensure the safe and sustainable use of marine resources.
The Armed Forces of Liberia remains dedicated to enhancing national security and contributing to regional peace and stability.
“A Force for Good,” as emphasized by the AFL, continues to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the Liberian people, both on land and at sea.
