AFL, U.S. Africa Command Co-host W/A Logistics Confab
The hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) have co-hosted the 2025 West Africa Logistics Conference (WALC).
The event, according to a release, was co-hosted from August 5-7, 2025, at a resort in Margibi County.
The WALC is an annual regional logistics conference sponsored by the United States Government through US AFRICOM.
According to a release, the conference usually brings together the militaries of several West African countries for mutual security, and humanitarian collaboration for the purpose of establishing a timely, professional, efficient and robust logistics network in the region.
This year’s WALC which was conducted under the theme: “Building Capacity through Logistics,” focused on enhancing interoperability, developing aligned logistics strategies, and resourcing readiness to ensure collective ability to respond swiftly, effectively and efficiently to regional challenges.
Furthermore, the conference inevitably strengthened the logistics networks that underpin shared security and humanitarian goals, thus advancing peace, stability and prosperity across the West African Region.
It also featured distinguished panels, partner-led discussions and practical exchanges to share best practices, lessons learnt and opportunities for mutual collaboration.
Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, Lt/Col Saimo Omias Kortu, presented a comprehensive logistics brief on behalf of the AFL.
For the first time, African countries outside West Africa were invited to participate in the conference.
Kenya, Botswana, Morocco and Tunisia, honored the invitation and attended the conference.
Four United States companies that are involved with regional and global logistics and supply chain services, also attended the event, which was the first of its kind.
The companies, the release said, intention was to create awareness on the quality, ready, reliable and responsive services they provide across the globe, and to encourage participating countries to take advantage of their services.
At the opening program, AFRICOM Chief of Logistics, Brigadier General (Brig/Gen) George Dietrich, welcomed participants and guests to the conference and applauded Liberia’s Minister of National Defense, Brig/Gen. Geraldine J. George (retired), for being in attendance.
The conference brought together partners from across West Africa to “collectively tackle security challenges in the region through logistics.”
Brig/Gen Dietrich also highlighted the significance of logistics and buttressed the reality that “professionals focus on logistics.”
He mentioned the successful conduct of the first two logistics conferences that were held in Cameron and the Ivory Coast, and expressed his optimism that Liberia will achieve more.
Minister Geraldine J. George, indicated that the conference underscored West African partners, and the US AFRICOM collective commitment to strengthen regional security, enhance interoperability and optimize logistics capabilities within “our armed forces.”
She emphasized that logistics remain the backbone for the fight against transnational crimes, terrorism and humanitarian challenges in Liberia and across the West African region.
Joe Zadrozny, Chargé D’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Monrovia, stressed that the 2025 WALC represents a critical milestone in the partnership shared moment to foster regional stability, enhance security and build the foundation for sustainable economic growth across West Africa.
He spoke of the US State Department unwavering support for the conference, which is in close alignment with the US Government objective to strengthen security partnership with African nations.
Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, US AFRICOM, noted that the conference represented a significant step to ensure an effective US-Africa Partnership through the establishment of mutual logistics network.
Amb. Scott said that logistics underpins an effective military that provides security for all.
Major General (Maj/Gen) Davidson Fayiah Forleh, AFL Chief of Staff, noted that the hosting of WALC in the country demonstrates that Liberia has returned to peace and sanity.
He indicated that terrorism is a common enemy in West Africa that can only be defeated with shared logistics information and a robust regional logistics network through a synergy of effort.
Forleh lauded the US Government for its persistent support to the AFL, especially the Coast Guard in the protection of country’s marine territory.
He flashed out that benefits of the conference are not measured in terms of money, but by the shared logistics experience and expertise.
He recounted the inception of
country’s deployment in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MANUSMA) when Nigeria and Chad accommodated Liberia due to lack of logistics.
With the assistance from these countries and commitment by the Liberian Government, the country acquired the needed logistics and stood independently in MANUSMA, according to Maj/Gen Forleh.
The Liberia National Culture Troop climaxed the 2025 West Africa Logistic event with colorful and awesome cultural exhibitions on the beautiful and cozy evening of August 7, 2025, at the resort.
ARMED FORCE OF LIBERIA “A FORCE FOR GOOD”