–Delivers Military Equipment
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia — A Moroccan C-130 military cargo aircraft arrived at Roberts International Airport with vehicles and supplies for the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The delivery marks a new step in military cooperation between Liberia and the Kingdom of Morocco.
The aircraft departed Kenitra, Morocco. It is the first of two C-130 cargo planes expected to deliver military equipment and supplies to Liberia between October 19 and 22, 2026.
The operation also includes plans to transport approximately 140 screened AFL personnel to Morocco for specialized commando training. The soldiers will travel aboard the aircraft during return flights as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity and operational readiness of Liberia’s armed forces.
The deliveries are being carried out under a bilateral military cooperation agreement Liberia and Morocco signed in October 2025. The agreement provides a framework for military training, technical assistance, military health cooperation, and exchanges between the two countries’ armed forces.
The latest development follows a September 2026 visit to Morocco by AFL Chief of Staff Davidson Fayiah Forleh. He met with General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone.
The discussions focused on advancing the implementation of the bilateral military cooperation agreement. During the visit, the two sides reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding outlining support and capacity-building initiatives for the AFL.
The cooperation is expected to strengthen professional military training and improve the technical and institutional capabilities of Liberia’s armed forces.
Beyond military equipment and commando training, the partnership includes opportunities for Liberian medical students recruited by the AFL to pursue advanced medical education in Morocco. Under a separate arrangement approved during the September visit, eligible Liberian medical students can enter Morocco’s military medical training system in their sixth year of study to complete their medical education and pursue specialization.
Sidiki A. Sonoe has already begun training under the programme. He enrolled within the past two months.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of Liberia’s military medical capacity while expanding opportunities for specialized professional training.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Liberia’s diplomatic mission in Morocco, headed by Ambassador Joseph F. Johnson, have been credited with advancing the diplomatic engagements that helped facilitate the cooperation.
The arrival of the first aircraft signals the implementation of key aspects of the partnership. Additional deliveries and the planned movement of AFL personnel will continue through October 22.
The cooperation represents a broader effort by Liberia and Morocco to deepen bilateral relations through military training, technical support, and professional exchanges.
