Published: May 18, 2026
MONROVIA — Liberia and the United States signed a maritime security agreement Thursday that will allow both countries to conduct joint operations targeting piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other transnational crimes in West African waters.
The Shiprider Agreement, signed at the Liberia Coast Guard Base, gives Liberian and U.S. maritime authorities the ability to board each other’s vessels during coordinated operations and share intelligence on illicit activity threatening the region’s coastline.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who signed on behalf of the Liberian government, said negotiations began in 2024 and described the accord as a direct commitment to Liberians who depend on maritime resources for their livelihoods.
“This agreement is a promise to our people that their resources will be protected and their Coast Guard strengthened,” Nyanti said.
She pointed to Liberia’s seat on the United Nations Security Council and its operation of the world’s largest ship registry by tonnage as factors that place greater responsibility on the country to uphold maritime order.
The U.S. Charge d’Affaires, speaking on behalf of Washington, said the United States has invested more than $300 million in Liberia’s armed forces over the past two decades and reaffirmed that commitment going forward. He praised the Liberia Coast Guard for its growing operational capacity and recent recruitment of young Liberians into its ranks.
He also noted Liberia’s participation in Obangame Express 2026, a multinational maritime exercise involving more than 30 countries focused on counter-piracy operations, illegal fishing enforcement and search-and-rescue preparedness across West Africa.
Acting Coast Guard Commander Lt. Col. Georgian Kansuah said no single country can address the scale of maritime threats Liberia faces alone, and that the agreement creates a framework for joint patrols, intelligence sharing and technical support.
“We are building a professional Coast Guard capable of protecting Liberia’s sovereignty and safeguarding our maritime resources,” Kansuah said.
Defense Minister Geraldine J. George, Deputy Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Theophilus Dana and senior military officials witnessed the signing.
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