By iNewsAfrica | Monrovia Bureau | May 24, 2025
Liberia has paid $1.4 million to transport a $20 million shipment of military hardware donated by the African Union. The equipment, currently held in Cameroon, will enhance Liberia’s defense capabilities, supporting new military units and peacekeeping readiness.
In Brief:
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What: Liberia pays $1.4M for shipment of AU-donated military equipment worth $20M
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Where: Equipment located in Cameroon, destined for Liberia
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Why: To strengthen the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)
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When: Announced on May 20, 2025
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Who: AFL Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Davidson Forleh, Defense Ministry, African Union
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Impact: Activation of new military units and bolstered national and regional security
Monrovia, Liberia – In a significant move to strengthen its national defense capabilities, the Government of Liberia has allocated $1.4 million to cover the logistics of transporting $20 million worth of military equipment donated by the African Union. The shipment, currently stored in Cameroon, is expected to arrive in Liberia in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made on May 20, 2025, at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia by Major General Davidson Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). Speaking at a ceremony marking the activation of two new military units — the First Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and the AFL Signal Company — Forleh emphasized the strategic importance of the equipment to Liberia’s operational readiness.
“This donation marks a pivotal moment for the AFL,” said Forleh. “We are not only strengthening our surveillance and communications capabilities but also reinforcing our commitment to regional peace and security.”
The new armored reconnaissance battalion will focus on land and aerial surveillance operations, while the signal company will modernize the AFL’s communications infrastructure.
Forleh also revealed his upcoming participation in the African Union Chiefs of Staff Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. He is scheduled to visit Cameroon afterward to oversee the shipping process personally.
Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of National Defense, Augustus Larmin, noted the AFL’s growing reputation in international peacekeeping efforts, particularly in Mali. He commended the support received from international partners including the United Nations and Germany, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the AFL with the tools and resources necessary to execute its constitutional duties.
This strategic development not only strengthens Liberia’s military capabilities but also reflects its ongoing engagement in regional stability and international cooperation. The AU’s donation and Liberia’s follow-through highlight a maturing defense infrastructure capable of responding to both domestic and continental challenges.
Reporting by iNewsAfrica Defense Desk | Monrovia Bureau
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