US-Liberia sign landmark shiprider agreement, tighten maritime security
The Ministry of National Defense has hailed the signing of the landmark Maritime ShipRider Agreement between Liberia and the United States as a strategic breakthrough that will significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Liberian Coast Guard and strengthen the country’s maritime defense architecture.
Speaking during the official signing ceremony held at the Bushrod Island Coast Guard Base, Acting Commander of the Liberian Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Georgian Kansuah, described the agreement as a reflection of the strong bilateral partnership between Liberia and the United States in addressing evolving maritime security threats.
He noted that the Ministry of National Defense remains committed to safeguarding Liberia’s territorial waters against illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking, piracy, and human smuggling, which continue to threaten national security and economic prosperity.
Lieutenant Commander Kansuah emphasized that the agreement provides a vital framework for enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated maritime operations, and joint law enforcement activities aimed at ensuring that Liberia’s waters remain secure for lawful trade and economic activities. According to him, the signing ceremony demonstrates the Ministry’s determination to modernize the Liberian Coast Guard and improve national defense readiness through international partnerships.
Representing the United States Government, Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny commended the professionalism and progress of the Liberian Coast Guard under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense. He noted that the ShipRider program has proven globally effective in combating transnational maritime crimes and strengthening maritime governance.
Under the agreement, Liberian and U.S. authorities will conduct joint maritime enforcement operations targeting illegal fishing and illicit trafficking within Liberia’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea. Zadrozny further disclosed that the partnership will provide increased specialized training opportunities and operational support for personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia, particularly the Coast Guard component.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Her Excellency Sara Besolow Nyanti, highlighted the broader national significance of the agreement, noting that discussions leading to the signing began in 2024. She explained that beyond security benefits, the agreement is expected to protect Liberia’s marine resources from unauthorized foreign exploitation, thereby supporting local fishing communities, increasing economic opportunities, and creating jobs.
Minister Nyanti further stated that the agreement elevates Liberia’s international standing and demonstrates the country’s proactive role in global maritime governance.
She underscored Liberia’s responsibility as the nation with the world’s largest ship registry and stressed that the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining safety, stability, and the rule of law at sea.
The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the Liberian Coast Guard facilities, symbolizing the Ministry of National Defense’s continued efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure, operational capability, and international defense cooperation.
Source : Ministry of National Defense-Liberia
