December 15, 2025
In response to the growing frequency and complexities of humanitarian emergencies in Liberia and the world at large, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) has launched a five-day Managing Operations Training (MOT) in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
The training is designed to strengthen the skills of the Red Cross staff and volunteers in managing medium- to large-scale emergencies—a critical step as Liberia continues to face recurring disasters such as floods, fires, windstorms, erosions caused by the sea, and health emergencies. Without a well-managed and coordinated local response systems, these crises can and will have devastating impacts on affected populations.
To address these challenges, the Global Response Unit of the Swedish Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are supporting the Liberian Red Cross in building stronger local capacity for effective, efficient, and timely emergency response operations management.
The Liberian Red Cross maintains a presence in all 15 counties and has played a pivotal role in responding to some of the country’s most severe emergencies, including Ebola, COVID-19, and widespread flooding and fires. Its leadership in these operations has earned commendation for effectiveness and resilience.
, the current intensive, in-person training adds further value for Red Cross staff and volunteers with prior emergency response experience. As Liberia grapples also with climate-induced disasters, initiatives like the MOT reinforce the commitment of the LNRCS and its partners in improving disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the country in managing its response operations effectively.
Nearly 30 participants—including representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency, the Liberia Meteorological Service at the Ministry of Transport, and the Sierra Leone Red Cross—gathered at the Kopaa (Reed Cross) Guesthouse in Sanniquellie on Saturday for the opening ceremony. The training runs until December 18 under the theme “Strengthening Operational Management Capacity” and the slogan “Enhancing skills, strengthening systems, saving lives.”
Building Capacity for Complex Emergencies
The MOT is part of IFRC’s broader Operational Leadership programme, designed to equip LNRCS National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) members with the competencies needed to manage medium- to large-scale humanitarian operations. The training combines lectures, group work, and experiential learning, culminating in a tabletop scenario exercise based on a medium-scale disaster in Liberia.
“This training is not just about learning new skills; it is about preparing ourselves for the challenges ahead,” said Gregory Blamoh, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberian Red Cross. “Next year will be a challenging year, and I urge all volunteers and staff to work harder, with high professionalism, and deliver better results for the communities we serve.”
Trust and Coordination at the Core
The Head of the IFRC Freetown Cluster Coordination Delegation, Mr. Peter Ophoff, emphasized the importance of building trust and strengthening partnerships in disaster response. “Operational management is not only about logistics and planning,” Ophoff noted. “It is about building trust with communities and ensuring strong coordination with extended partners. These are the key factors that determine success in any emergency operation.”
Raising Standards in Humanitarian Service
Representing the Swedish Red Cross, Country Representative Armel Komena highlighted the opportunity for the Liberian Red Cross to demonstrate leadership in the region.
“This training is a good moment for the Liberian Red Cross to show more quality and raise the standard of its work in delivering humanitarian services,” Komena said. “By enhancing operational management, the LNRCS can position itself as a hub for peer support and learning across neighboring National Societies.”
Towards Regional Peer Learning
The MOT is designed as an agile adaptation of international-standard Operational Leadership training, contextualized for Liberia but with potential for wider application and future standardization. Organizers hope the program will initiate a sustained operations management capacity enhancement process for the LNRCS, while also fostering regional collaboration.
Supported by the Global Response Unit of the Swedish Red Cross in partnership with the IFRC, the training underscores a shared commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in West Africa.
As the sessions continue, participants will engage in scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world emergencies, ensuring Liberia’s disaster response teams are better equipped to save lives when crises strike.
