The United States of America (USA) government, through its embassy in Monrovia, has announced that the 2025 West Africa Logistics Conference (WALC) will be hosted in August in Liberia for the first time.
Building on the success of the 2024 WALC in Cameroon, this upcoming conference will serve as a vital platform for military and civilian leaders to address shared logistics challenges and respond across the spectrum of operations.
Liberia’s selection as cohost, according to the US embassy, further underscored the country’s growing role in regional security, including its commitment and readiness to foster stability and cooperation.
In an official statement about AFRICOM Director of Logistics, Air Force Brig. Gen. George “Dutch” Dietrich, Director of Logistics, U.S. Africa Command, said, “I am thrilled to announce this significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen regional collaboration and logistics capabilities across West Africa.”
According to him, the 2025 WALC will focus on enhancing interoperability, developing aligned logistics strategies, and resourcing readiness to ensure our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to regional challenges.
He noted that building on the success of the 2024 WALC in Cameroon, this upcoming conference will serve as a vital platform for military and civilian leaders to address shared logistics challenges and respond across the spectrum of operations.
The Air Force Brig. Gen. George “Dutch” Dietrich maintained, “The Logistics remains the backbone of all operations, and is especially critical in a place as vast as the African continent, with Liberia being of no exception.”
“Also, key discussions at the event will explore supply chain security, doctrine harmonization, and sustainable procurement practices, with an emphasis on empowering our African partners by strengthening our partnership network.
Liberia’s selection as cohost underscores its growing role in regional security and its commitment to fostering stability and cooperation. I extend my gratitude to our Liberian partners for their dedication in preparing for this landmark event,” he explained.
The Air Force Brig. Gen. George “Dutch” Dietrich asserted that over the coming months, U.S. Africa Command looks forward to working closely with the Armed Forces of Liberia and other West African partners to ensure a productive and impactful conference.
He added, “The 2025 WALC will feature dynamic panels, partner-led discussions, and practical exchanges to share best practices, lessons learned, and opportunities for collaboration, and together, we will strengthen the logistics networks that underpin shared security and humanitarian goals, advancing peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.”
Meanwhile, Gen. Dietrich paid a visit at the High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the Barclay Training Center on April 28, 2025.
Gen. Dietrich thanked the AFL High Command for the warm and colorful reception and stated that it was an obvious and inevitable choice for the AFL to host the third US AFRICOM West Africa Logistics Conference because of its outstanding roles in previous conferences.
He indicated that it would be a fantastic opportunity for the AFL to host the third conference since representatives from the US Department of Defense will be in attendance.
Gen. Dietrich encouraged the AFL to use the conference to showcase the significant roles Liberia plays in the sub-region.
The visiting Gen concluded by informing the AFL High Command that US AFRICOM is looking forward to helping maintain the donated military equipment with training of personnel and the provision of spare parts upon arrival.
Gen. Dietrich was warmly received by the AFL Chief of Staff, Major General Davidson Fayiah Forleh and given high military honors by the presence of the AFL Honor Guard and the AFL Marching Band.
Maj. Gen. Forleh gave a brief overview of the historicity and commonalities in the all-time relationship between Liberia and the United States by emphasizing the military doctrines of both countries.
He further connected this all-time relationship to Liberia’s first President Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the naming of Liberia’ capital after former US President, James Monroe and the glaring similarities in both countries’ national colors (flags).
Maj. Gen. Forleh recounted that among other factors, the AFL stands tall in the sub-region and beyond as a “Force for Good” because of United States tax payers’ money that saw the resurgence, restructuring and continuous training of AFL personnel.
He thanked the US Government through AFRICOM for selecting Liberia to host the third US AFRICOM West Africa Logistics Conference that is expected to hold in August this year (2025).
Gen. Forleh concluded by informing his guest that as AFL prepares for the logistics conference, arrangements for the shipment of the US$ 20 million worth of military equipment donated to Liberia by the Africa Union are nearing completion.
The West Africa Logistics Conference is an opportunity that brings together the entire sub-region to discuss common logistics issues that could be solved collectively.
The conference will afford the host nation a valuable chance to demonstrate the highlights of its military structure and force.
