Monrovia, Liberia – According to the Ministry of National Defense/Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the African Union (AU) has sent vital logistics equipment valued at over $20 million.
In line with Liberia’s regional commitments to peace and stability in West Africa and beyond, the contribution, according to a MOD announcement, is a significant step toward increasing the AFL’s operational capabilities.
This success is also the consequence of sustained military and diplomatic efforts, which started in 2018 when Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh, who is currently the Chief of Staff of the AFL, was appointed as Liberia’s Defense Attaché and chaired the Military Staff Committee on the Peace and Security Council at the AU.
The AFL chief’s tenacious campaigning for logistical help paid off, as the AFL was chosen to get the sizeable assistance. In addition, the equipment which the Chinese government first provided to the AU is kept in storage at the AU Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
According to the release, President Joseph N. Boakai, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the AFL, was represented by Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States in February 2024, held in Addis Ababa, was informed about the AU’s intention to provide Liberia with both lethal and non-lethal equipment kept at the Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
At the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety, and Security, which took place in June 2024, the commitment was further cemented.
The Chief of Staff followed up on the logistical equipment and capacity building for the AFL at a side discussion with Dr. Sarjo Bah, Director of Conflict Management in the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of the AU Commission.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Liberia’s request has been approved by the African Union. The AFL will receive the logistics package, which includes a variety of military-grade assets valued at US $20,601,529.46, or twenty million six hundred one thousand five hundred twenty-nine dollars and forty-six cents.
Along with mounted weapon systems, replacement parts, and other equipment, they include freight trucks, military protection assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, battle jeeps, bulldozers, cranes, fuel tanks, and fire trucks.
The AFL’s capacity to carry out field operations, disaster relief, troop transportation, and international peacekeeping missions would be substantially improved by this equipment, enhancing Liberia’s contributions to regional security.
With words of profound appreciation for the AU’s assistance, Brigadier General Forleh said, “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.”
Brigadier General Geraldine J. George (retired), Minister of National Defense, for her part, praised the work that went into this accomplishment, saying, “This is a milestone for the AFL, made possible by the strong commitment of our government and the African Union.”
“I would especially like to express my gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, for their crucial contributions in guaranteeing that the AFL obtains this essential equipment, which will enhance our country’s defense and preparedness,” the speaker stated.
