— AFL Chief of Staff allays Liberians fear, joins US Ambassador to conduct Aerial Patrol Visits to Lofa, other Counties
In response to rumors of war from the Liberia-Guinea Border, the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Brig Gen Davidson F Forleh, has urged calm among Liberians, reassuring them that “there is no war coming to Liberia.”
“There is no war coming to Liberia,” General Forleh said in a statement Sunday evening as he brushed aside rumors that Guinean Juntas were crossing into Liberia to destabilize the country.
The rumors were fueled by a recent security tension that erupted between Liberia and Guinea over the presence in Liberia of Ibrahima Cherif, an alleged coup plotter who wanted to topple the Junta government of Guinea. Reports later emerged that Cherif was turned over to Guinean authorities.
However, the assurance from the AFL high command comes in the wake of a huge deployment of military presence in Lofa near the border and a joint confirmatory aerial patrol visit by the COS and the Ambassador of the United States, Mark Toner, to some strategic locations in Liberia to verify and ensure safety of the population.
The purpose of this patrol was also to strengthen and enhance the longstanding partnership between Liberia and the United States of America.
According to the AFL, patrol visits were also primarily meant to enhance security measures and coordination by evaluating joint efforts with Local Joint Security Teams, monitoring border security to counter cross-border threats and illegal activities, engaging local leaders and communities to build trust on security issues, strengthening Liberia-U.S. relations with the US Ambassador’s support for international cooperation, assessing infrastructure for security and economic enhancements, and promoting peace and stability by highlighting the commitments of the AFL and the US while encouraging local backing for their missions.
The aerial patrols were conducted in strategic areas within Liberia’s borders, including Lofa, Maryland, Sinoe, and Grand Gedeh, Counties, following a request from the AFL to the US government. The patrol involved the deployment of U.S. Military Aircraft for a duration of three days, from November 20th to 22nd, 2024.
On the first day of the visits, the team arrived in Harper, Maryland County, and were warmly received by the Superintendent and other local authorities at the County’s Airport. They then proceeded to the County’s Administrative Building where the county authorities greeted the team and provided them with a briefing on the county’s affairs and current challenges.
During the visit, the delegates toured the JJ Dossen Hospital, Tubman University, and the Cavalla River Crossing Point, where the US Ambassador and the Chief of Staff (COS) of the Armed Forces of Liberia engaged with members of the Joint Security Team in the county.
Discussions were held regarding security concerns between Liberia and the Ivory Coast. Additionally, the COS and his team visited Harper Port and met with the management. During this visit, the COS pledged to send the Liberia Coast Guard Commander to assess the facility for potential deployment of personnel to the Forward Operating Base at the Port of Harper.
He also emphasized the issue of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, highlighting the importance of deploying the Coast Guard in that area to combat maritime crime.
Furthermore, the COS underscored the importance of interagency cooperation and fostering synergy among the Joint Security Teams. He also highlighted plans for a forthcoming nationwide patrol and Exercise WATCH OVER VIII with Ivorian counterparts to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries’ security agencies.
This collaboration is facilitated by a signed Memorandum of Understanding between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire for joint border training and operations aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations and sharing intelligence effectively.
During discussions in Grand Gedeh County on the following day, the COS emphasized the critical nature of security in the county and commended the county authorities for their collaboration with AFL personnel deployed in the area.
The COS received briefings from county officials, visited the correction center to assess challenges such as vehicle shortages, inmate care, medical facilities, and the need for repairs to the prison fence. He assured them that he would address these issues with the relevant authorities.
Subsequently, the Chief of Staff visited Camp Wisner Military Barracks, inspected renovations, and received a security briefing from the Commander and County Attorney, who highlighted the significant challenge of mobility for security forces in the area.
On the second day, November 21, 2024, the COS and delegation proceeded to Greenville, Sinoe County. They were welcomed at the airport by county authorities and traditional women in accordance with the county’s cultural practices. The County Attorney, Cllr Adolphus Karnuah, and City Mayor, Hon. Harrison O. Kai, provided the COS with a briefing on the county’s current security status. During the visit, the COS toured the Greenville Sea Port and highlighted the necessity for deploying the Liberia Coast Guard in the future. He emphasized the security concern posed by piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and underscored the importance of addressing this issue. Therefore, deploying the Coast Guard in that region is crucial to mitigate, if not eradicate, maritime crimes.
On the third day, November 22, 2024, the COS and delegates landed at Tenebu Airport in Voinjama, Lofa County, where they were welcomed by Superintendent John Lavelah Massaquoi, and other local authorities.
Members of the Joint Security Team were also present to greet the COS. The group then traveled to the county’s administrative building after a short drive from the airport, honoring Lofa traditions.
The delegation was introduced to county authorities, and the COS briefed them on the purpose of his visit, aiming to dispel rumors of war originating from the Liberia-Guinea Border. The COS explained that the heightened military presence in Lofa was for conducting patrols within the county and urged citizens to remain calm.
The delegation visited both the hospital and Lofa Community College, where they learned about the challenges faced. These challenges included a lack of electricity, mobility, medical equipment, staff, patient beds, and aging infrastructure at the hospital.
The COS acknowledged the sacrifices of the hospital staff and expressed the importance of a robust healthcare delivery system for the people of Lofa.
At the Lofa Community College, President Dr. Isaac P Podah shared that the college had moved from an AA degree program to a Bachelor’s degree program with an enrollment of about 1,500 students. He highlighted challenges such as insufficient budgetary support, instructors, and poor infrastructure.
Gen Forleh assured them that these issues would be addressed, praising the school’s administration for efforts in education and encouraging youth to prioritize their future and reject drugs.
Meanwhile, in addition to Brig Gen Forleh, and Ambassador Toner, other members of the delegation were Col Joseph Tamba Gayflor (Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations), the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, and the Executive Officer of the 23rd Infantry Brigade. Other members were the Defense Attaché at the US Embassy and three additional representatives from the US Embassy.
