Amb Johnson Says Morocco’s Military Support Shows Results of Liberia’s Diplomatic Engagement

Margibi County, Liberia: Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Joseph Fayiah Johnson, says the arrival of a Moroccan military aircraft carrying vehicles and equipment for the Armed Forces of Liberia demonstrates the results of sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony for the Moroccan Air Force C-130 aircraft, Johnson said the assistance reflects growing trust and cooperation between Liberia and Morocco, with benefits extending to military training, medical education and technical support.

The ambassador thanked the Moroccan government, the Royal Armed Forces and officials from both countries for their roles in making the mission possible.

He said the delivery forms part of a broader military partnership that provides opportunities for professional development, specialized training and support for Liberia’s defense institutions.

According to Johnson, the September 2026 visit of Liberia’s Chief of Staff to Morocco helped advance cooperation in equipment support, military healthcare and training.

He said the vehicles and equipment brought aboard the aircraft would support the AFL’s work, while specialized commando training in Morocco would help improve the skills and operational readiness of Liberian military personnel.

Johnson also highlighted progress in medical education under the partnership. He disclosed that the first Liberian medical student recruited into the AFL through the bilateral arrangement is currently undergoing training in Morocco, combining military preparation with medical specialization.

He described the initiative as an investment in the long-term healthcare capacity of the Armed Forces of Liberia and the development of personnel needed to serve the institution.

The ambassador said diplomacy must produce benefits that people and national institutions can see, including access to training, stronger professional skills and improved institutional capacity.

He commended the leadership of both governments, their foreign affairs and defense ministries, and their armed forces for following through on commitments made under the partnership.

Johnson expressed particular appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his leadership and to Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti for her guidance and continued support for Liberia’s diplomatic work.

He called for sustained coordination between diplomatic and defense institutions to ensure that agreements between Liberia and Morocco continue to deliver meaningful results.

The ambassador also disclosed plans for the designation of defense attachés for the first time in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

He said Liberia values Morocco’s support and remains committed to expanding cooperation in regional stability, institutional development and African solidarity.

Describing the partnership as South-South cooperation in action, Johnson said it demonstrates how African countries can share expertise, develop their institutions and work together to strengthen security and development.

He welcomed the Moroccan delegation and thanked the government and people of Morocco for their continued partnership with Liberia.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Senator Momo T. Cyrus, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veteran Affairs, expressed appreciation for Morocco’s assistance to the Liberian military.

Cyrus conveyed greetings from the leadership and members of the Liberian Senate and thanked Ambassador Johnson, the AFL leadership, the Ministry of National Defense and the Moroccan government for their contributions to the cooperation.

He described the vehicles and equipment as a welcome contribution to Liberia and expressed hope for further support and stronger relations between the two countries.

Turning to the AFL personnel preparing to leave for training in Morocco, Cyrus urged them to remain disciplined and represent Liberia with honor.

“We ask that as you go to represent Liberia, you conduct yourself in a manner that will make Liberia proud,” he said.

The senator wished the soldiers success in their training and thanked the Moroccan people for supporting Liberia’s armed forces.

Morocco Delivers Military Items  as AFL Troops Depart for Commando Training

The Armed Forces of Liberia is sending 150 personnel to Morocco for specialized commando training under a military cooperation agreement that has also secured vehicles and equipment for the Liberian military.

AFL Chief of Staff Davidson Fayiah Forleh announced the arrangement during a ceremony welcoming a Moroccan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying military support equipment to Liberia.

Forleh said the first batch of soldiers would depart aboard the aircraft, while a second group was expected to leave the following day after completing medical screening.

He disclosed that Morocco had provided four brand-new vehicles and additional equipment, some of which he declined to identify.

According to the Chief of Staff, the assistance follows a military cooperation agreement signed between Liberia and Morocco in October 2025.

“One year later, we are seeing that agreement come to life,” Forleh said.

He explained that a visit to Morocco about a month earlier helped advance the arrangements. Accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Joseph Fayiah Johnson, Forleh met senior military commanders and toured training academies, simulation centers and hospitals.

Forleh said that as he prepared to return to Liberia, his Moroccan counterpart asked him to return to Rabat to receive a message from King Mohammed VI.

During that meeting, he said, a special envoy conveyed the King’s commitment to provide vehicles, other equipment and specialized training for AFL personnel.

Forleh credited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Ambassador Johnson for their roles in securing the support.

He particularly praised Johnson’s persistence in following up on the military arrangements and ensuring that discussions moved toward implementation.

The Chief of Staff also said visits to Moroccan hospitals had opened opportunities for medical training and support.

Addressing the departing soldiers, Forleh warned that the commando course would be demanding and urged them to remain disciplined throughout their stay.

“I visited the training bases. I can assure you that the training will be rigorous,” he said.

He explained that medical screening formed part of the selection process to determine personnel’s fitness for the course.

Forleh said the training was expected to last four to five months and would equip participants with specialized military skills, including parachuting.

He instructed younger soldiers to learn from their noncommissioned officers, respect their Moroccan instructors and follow orders.

“Remember my vision and mission: discipline and professionalism must remain our hallmarks,” he told them.

Citing the performance of Liberian soldiers who previously served in Mali, Forleh expressed confidence that the contingent would represent the country well.

He also disclosed that 600 recruits were currently undergoing training in Liberia as the AFL works to increase its strength. He said the military would seek further opportunities for personnel to receive specialized instruction abroad.

Forleh thanked Senator Momo T. Cyrus for his support through the Senate, as well as the Ministry of National Defense, AFL personnel and airport authorities for facilitating the mission.

He pledged to personally verify the number of soldiers boarding the aircraft and ensure that all members of the contingent were accounted for upon their return.

Also speaking, Deputy Minister for Operations Spencer Leeco said the delivery demonstrated progress in implementing the security cooperation agreement between Liberia and Morocco.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Acting Defense Minister Natu Oswald Tweh, Leeco said the agreement covers military training and education, peacekeeping operations, military health, and exchanges of experience and expertise.

He conveyed the Acting Minister’s appreciation to Morocco and said Tweh could not attend because of engagements outside Liberia.

Leeco described the delivery as an expression of friendship and mutual trust, saying it showed the commitment of both governments to carrying out the agreement.