ADNews-Monrovia: The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) announced a substantial donation of logistics equipment valued at over $20 million from the African Union (AU). This significant contribution is poised to enhance the AFL’s operational capacity and strengthen Liberia’s national security while supporting regional peace and stability in West Africa and beyond.
This achievement stems from years of diplomatic and military efforts initiated in 2018 when Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh, now Chief of Staff of the AFL, served as Liberia’s Defense Attaché and chaired the Military Staff Committee on the AU’s Peace and Security Council. His persistent advocacy for logistical support led to Liberia being selected for this vital assistance. The equipment, originally provided by the Chinese government to the AU, is currently stored at the AU Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
During the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State in February 2024, held in Addis Ababa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was informed of the AU’s commitment to supply Liberia with both lethal and non-lethal equipment. This commitment was further solidified at the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety, and Security in June 2024, where Brigadier General Forleh met with Dr. Sarjo Bah, Director of Conflict Management at the AU Commission, to follow up on the logistical support.
Today, the AU has officially approved Liberia’s request, and the AFL is set to receive a logistics package that includes a wide range of military-grade assets valued at $20,601,529.46. The package comprises cargo trucks, military protective assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, combat jeeps, bulldozers, cranes, fuel tanks, fire trucks, mounted weapon systems, spare parts, and other materials. This equipment will significantly enhance the AFL’s capabilities in troop transportation, field operations, disaster relief, and international peacekeeping missions, thereby advancing Liberia’s contributions to regional security.
Brigadier General Forleh expressed profound gratitude for the AU’s support, stating, “This vital contribution will greatly improve the AFL’s logistical capabilities, enabling us to better fulfill our mandate of protecting Liberia’s sovereignty and contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.”
The Minister of National Defense, Brigadier General Geraldine J. George (Retired), praised the collaborative efforts behind this achievement. “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 the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs for their pivotal roles in securing this essential equipment, which will bolster our national defense and readiness.”
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 will oversee the shipping of the equipment to Liberia. The AFL anticipates delivery of the logistics package within two months, at which point the equipment 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 commitment to regional security. The AFL remains dedicated to strengthening its capabilities through ongoing collaboration with international and regional partners.
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