MONROVIA — The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) is moving to deepen military cooperation with Morocco, with Chief of Staff Major General Davidson F. Forleh securing commitments for commando training, military vehicles, training equipment and support for Liberia’s efforts to establish and operationalize an Air Wing.
Major General Forleh is in the Kingdom of Morocco on an official visit from September 6–14, 2026, at the invitation of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), as Liberia seeks to translate the two countries’ military cooperation agreement into concrete programs and capabilities.
According to a release from the AFL, the visit is focused on strengthening bilateral defense relations and implementing the Liberia–Morocco Military Cooperation Agreement signed in Rabat on October 21, 2025.
The agreement provides for cooperation in military training, exercises, technical assistance, military health, and the exchange of experience and expertise. It also establishes a Joint Military Commission tasked with identifying priorities, coordinating implementation, and developing a structured framework for military cooperation.
Morocco Offers Training, Equipment Support
One of the immediate outcomes of General Forleh’s visit is Morocco’s commitment to facilitate commando training for an AFL composite company-sized element in Morocco.
The training is expected to expose Liberian troops to advanced individual and collective training, fieldcraft and operational techniques, according to the AFL.
Morocco has also committed to providing four vehicles, including a command vehicle, along with training aids and selected equipment to strengthen the AFL’s training and operational capabilities.
The measures form part of a broader package of cooperation encompassing professional military education, specialized training, military exercises, technical assistance, equipment support and personnel exchanges.
Support for AFL Air Wing
During the first phase of the visit, the Liberian delegation toured the Royal Moroccan Air Force Inspectorate, Air Transport Base and Royal College of Higher Military Education.
The engagements focused on professional military education, aviation and air transport capabilities and institutional development.
Of particular significance to Liberia is Morocco’s commitment to support the AFL’s efforts to establish and operationalize an Air Wing, including the training and development of qualified personnel.
The Royal College of Higher Military Education also indicated its readiness to provide opportunities for AFL officers at appropriate staff and higher defense education institutions.
High-Level Military Talks
On Tuesday, September 8, Major General Forleh held high-level discussions with General of Army Corps Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, at the FAR General Staff Headquarters in Rabat.
The discussions centered on practical modalities for cooperation in military training, exercises and exchange visits, consistent with the October 2025 military cooperation agreement.
The Liberian delegation subsequently visited the 1st Parachute Brigade and Mohammed V Military Hospital to examine operational training, military health capabilities and potential areas where Moroccan expertise could contribute to AFL capacity development.
Military Health Cooperation
Military health has also emerged as a key area of bilateral cooperation.
During the visit to Mohammed V Military Hospital, AFL Medical Command Commander Major Dr. Albertha Clark briefed Moroccan authorities on the state of Liberia’s military health services, including existing capabilities and key challenges.
The discussions identified opportunities for training and exchanges involving AFL medical personnel, technical cooperation and arrangements for specialized medical referrals.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the health-support component of military cooperation between the two countries.
Maritime Security on the Agenda
The AFL delegation is also scheduled to engage with additional Moroccan military institutions, including the Royal Military Academy in Meknes, the Royal Moroccan Navy Inspectorate, the Royal Moroccan Naval Academy and other naval facilities.
The engagements are expected to explore cooperation in maritime security, naval operations, professional military education, technical training and the development of Liberia Coast Guard capabilities.
The Royal Moroccan Naval Academy has served as a venue for professional maritime training and engagement with international naval partners.
Turning Agreement Into Action
A central objective of General Forleh’s visit is the establishment of a structured mechanism to implement the 2025 military cooperation agreement.
The Joint Military Commission is expected to serve as the institutional framework for converting areas identified during the visit—including command and staff education, commando training, air capability development, maritime training, military health, exercises, equipment support and personnel exchanges—into annual cooperation programs.
Such programs could include agreed priorities, training quotas, timelines, focal points and responsibilities for both countries.
The AFL said the approach is consistent with discussions between the two military leaderships, which identified training, exercises and exchange visits as immediate areas for advancing bilateral cooperation.
Delegation
General Forleh is accompanied by his Military Assistant, Lieutenant Colonel Francis O. Gbodi, and Major Dr. Albertha Clark, Commander of the AFL Medical Command.
Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, Joseph Johnson, has also participated in the engagements.
The AFL says the visit represents an important step toward transforming Liberia and Morocco’s longstanding relationship into measurable military capability, professional development and improved operational readiness for the Liberian military.
The cooperation also opens opportunities for sustained institutional engagement between the two armed forces.
According to the AFL, the support being extended to Liberia is being provided pursuant to the High Royal Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
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