MONROVIA, Liberia—U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) hosted a pivotal country coordination meeting in Monrovia, Liberia, bringing together senior representatives from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and various U.S. Department of Defense entities.
The event marked a significant step in strengthening the longstanding defense partnership between Liberia and the United States.
The U.S. delegation was led by U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Shawn Holtz, the USAFRICOM Deputy Director for strategy, engagements, and programs.
Brig. Gen. Holtz was joined by key U.S. Defense officials, while the Liberian side was headed by AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson F. Forleh.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, the inaugural meeting focused on reinforcing the historical ties between the two nations, with discussions centered on a range of regional security issues.
Among the key topics addressed were border security, maritime security, countering violent extremist organizations, and the impact of climate change on security in the region.
The meeting served as an important platform for both sides to synchronize ongoing efforts and identify new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in training initiatives and joint participation in U.S. military exercises.
Both delegations expressed mutual commitment to enhancing the security landscape of the region through collaborative efforts.
During the meeting, Brig. Gen. Holtz and Brig. Gen. Forleh reaffirmed the strong and enduring defense partnership between Liberia and the United States.
U.S. officials also expressed appreciation for Liberia’s significant contributions to regional peacekeeping missions, particularly its role in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which the country supported from 2013 until its conclusion in 2023.
In addition to the coordination meeting, Brig. Gen. Holtz took the opportunity to hold courtesy calls with key Liberian defense leaders, including the Military Advisor to the President, the Deputy Minister of Defense for Administration, and the AFL Chief of Staff.
The successful event further solidified the commitment between Liberia and the United States to address shared security challenges and advance stability across the West African region.
