MONROVIA – Brigadier General George Dietrich, Chief of Logistics for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) High Command at the Barclay Training Center on April 28, 2025. The visit, marked by full military honors, underscored the strengthening defense ties between Liberia and the United States.
According to an AFL press release, Brig Gen Dietrich received a red-carpet welcome that featured the AFL Honor Guard and ceremonial music by the AFL Marching Band. He was warmly greeted by AFL Chief of Staff, Major General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, who introduced him to the full leadership of the AFL.
In a brief meeting, Maj Gen Forleh extended a formal welcome to his American counterpart and reflected on the historic bonds between Liberia and the United States. He highlighted the shared military traditions and doctrinal values, linking them to the nation’s founding and symbolic parallels such as the naming of Monrovia after U.S. President James Monroe and the similar color schemes of both national flags.
Maj Gen Forleh credited the United States, particularly its taxpayers, for the transformation of the AFL into a respected professional force within the region. He emphasized that Liberia’s military resurgence was largely made possible through U.S. funded restructuring, training, and equipment.
He also expressed gratitude to AFRICOM for choosing Liberia to host the upcoming third US AFRICOM West Africa Logistics Conference in August. He noted that preparations are in full swing, including final arrangements for the delivery of $20 million worth of military equipment donated by the African Union.
Brig Gen Dietrich, in his response, praised the AFL for its hospitality and professionalism. He said Liberia was the natural choice to host the logistics conference due to its commendable performance in previous gatherings. The event, he noted, will also feature participation from senior officials of the U.S. Department of Defense.
He urged the AFL to use the conference as a platform to highlight Liberia’s growing role in regional stability and logistics cooperation. Brig Gen Dietrich also reaffirmed AFRICOM’s commitment to supporting the AFL in maintaining the incoming equipment through specialized training and the provision of spare parts.
The West Africa Logistics Conference is a strategic gathering of military leaders across the region, aimed at addressing shared logistical challenges and enhancing cooperation. Hosting the event gives Liberia a key opportunity to showcase the strength and progress of its armed forces on a regional stage.
