AFL Marked 69th Armed Forces Day with Focus on Regional Security Cooperation, Structural Reforms

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Once struggling to rise from the ruins of civil war, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) now stands as a modern, professional military force, marking its 69th Armed Forces Day as a symbol of resilience, reform, and a growing contribution to regional security.

This year’s celebration, under the theme “Securing Liberia Together: Strengthening Inter-agency Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking and Emerging Security Threats,” highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to tackle complex and evolving security challenges.

Nigerian Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who graced the AFL's 69th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, February 11, in Monrovia, shared his memories of the early stages of the Liberian military restructuring, during which he played a key role from 2007 to 2012.

"As my late boss used to say, we were building an aircraft in flight," Shaibu recalled. "I make bold to say that this aircraft has been significantly built."

He described the Armed Forces of Liberia as “a highly motivated and structured force” and praised it as “a shining example of what international collaboration and regional cooperation can achieve.”

The national celebration, attended by President Joseph Boakai, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, veterans, and regional military leaders, served as both a tribute to fallen heroes and a showcase of Liberia’s evolving defense capabilities.

For her part, Liberia's National Defense Minister Geraldine George called the anniversary “a solemn and proud moment dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and professionalism of the men and women who defend our sovereignty.”

She added that while Liberia remains relatively stable, the broader regional and global security environment continues to present significant challenges.

"Transnational crime, terrorism, illicit arms trafficking, and cyber threats demand vigilance, preparedness, and professionalism. The Armed Forces of Liberia remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to defend our territorial integrity and support civil authorities when lawfully required," the Minister warned.

Minister George noted that 2025 was a year of “steady and measurable progress,” highlighting improvements in troop welfare, infrastructure, and operational capacity. She stressed that renovations were completed at Camp Grant, Camp Jones, and Camp Whisnant, while upgrades at the Barclay Training Center are nearing completion.

This year’s Armed Forces Day celebration highlighted the importance of coordinated responses to threats such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and maritime insecurity.

The celebration also marked the launch of the Ministry of National Defense Strategic Plan 2026–2030, which sets a roadmap for modernization, professional military education, and strengthened civilian oversight.

At the occasion, the National Defense Minister Geraldine George also announced a financial project in collaboration with UN Women, which she said would help boost women's inclusion in the Army.

She disclosed that the Ministry secured a $663,791.81 financial program that will run for two years to raise female participation in the Armed Forces from 7 percent to 20 percent.

"The Ministry remains committed to sustained reform focusing on modernization, troop welfare, leadership development, gender inclusion, and accountability," she affirmed.

Sixty-nine years after its founding and nearly two decades since its post-war rebirth, the Armed Forces of Liberia now stands as a symbol of national sovereignty and an evolving institution striving to be a credible security partner within the West African subregion.