The Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) announced a significant milestone Tuesday with the securing of over $20 million worth of essential logistics equipment from the African Union (AU).
This donation aims to bolster the operational capacity of the AFL and reinforce Liberia’s national security alongside its regional commitments to peace and stability in West Africa.
The achievement is the culmination of extensive diplomatic and military efforts that date back to 2018, when Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh, now Chief of Staff of the AFL, advocated for logistical support during his tenure as Liberia’s Defense Attaché and Chairman of the Military Staff Committee on the AU’s Peace and Security Council.
Brigadier General Forleh’s persistent efforts led to Liberia being selected for this substantial assistance, which includes a vast array of military-grade assets valued at approximately $20.6 million United States dollars.
The equipment, initially donated to the AU by the Chinese government, 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, the Honorable Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was informed about the AU’s intent to supply the AFL with both lethal and non-lethal equipment.
This commitment was reaffirmed in June 2024 during the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety, and Security.
At that session, Brigadier General Forleh held a productive side meeting with Dr. Sarjo Bah, Director of Conflict Management at the AU Commission, to follow up on the logistics package and discuss capacity-building efforts for the AFL.
The logistics package includes cargo trucks, military protective assault vehicles, armored personnel carriers, combat jeeps, bulldozers, cranes, fuel tanks, a fire truck, mounted weapon systems, spare parts, and other essential materiel.
These assets will significantly enhance the AFL’s capacity to conduct troop transport, field operations, disaster relief, and international peacekeeping missions, strengthening Liberia’s role in 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, contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, and responding effectively to national emergencies.”
AFL representatives, led by Brigadier General Forleh alongside officials from the Ministry of National Defense, are scheduled to travel to Cameroon to inspect the equipment.
Following inspection, the Government of Liberia will oversee the shipping of the equipment back to Liberia, with delivery anticipated within two months. The AFL plans to strategically distribute the logistics package across its bases to enhance operational readiness and efficiency.
