The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia expresses frustrations here over delays in having logistics donated by the African Union delivered to Liberia.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia, January 14, 2024 – The African Union’s US$20 million logistical support to Liberia faces serious delays here due to a delay by the Government of Liberia to provide transportation costs totaling US$1.3 million.
The equipment, including military vehicles, earth-moving machines, and other essential assets, was donated by the African Union and is currently stored at the AU’s Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon. The package of equipment, set to arrive in Liberia by land and sea, has been stalled due to logistical challenges.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh, says the delay has caused frustration for the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who he reveals is annoyed.
“Foreign Minister Sarah Bayslow Nyanti made a compelling argument that led to a commitment of these equipment. This includes not just military equipment, but also essential tools for infrastructure development, like earth-moving machines, fire trucks, and a promise of three years’ worth of spare parts”, the Chief of Staff detailed here on Monday, January 13, 2025 in an interview with OK fm in Monrovia.
“The only remaining challenge is transporting the equipment, which will require $1.3 million”, he notes.
Importantly, Brigadier General Forleh says the AU does not require any further contributions or support from Liberia in this matter and that a specific contact person, Melvin Joseph, has been designated by the AU to facilitate the process.
The reason for the delays hasn’t been clearly identified, but the General suspects that there might be a disconnect or communication gap contributing to the problem.
Despite the setback, he is optimistic, as Minister of Finance Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has assured that the shipment will be expedited. The donation, once delivered, will enhance Liberia’s defense and peacekeeping capabilities, strengthening its national security and regional commitments.
The logistical support stems from long-term diplomatic and military efforts, with Chief of Staff Forleh playing a central role since 2018. According to him, he initially advocated for the support as Liberia’s Defense Attaché to the AU.
After successfully securing the donation, Forleh engaged with AU officials, which led to the approval of the equipment package. The logistics include cargo trucks, military vehicles, bulldozers, fuel tanks, fire trucks, and spare parts, all valued at US$20.6 million.
These assets are vital for the AFL’s operations, including troop transportation, field missions, disaster relief, and international peacekeeping efforts.
At the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State in February 2024, Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti represented President Boakai and received confirmation of the AU’s commitment to supply both lethal and non-lethal equipment stored at the Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon.
Further assurance was secured during the 16th Ordinary Session of the AU’s Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety, and Security in June 2024, where Brigadier General Forleh followed up with Dr. Sarjo Bah, Director of Conflict Management at the AU Commission, on logistical and capacity-building support for the AFL. Editing by Jonathan Browne
