Category: AFRICOM

Source: United States AFRICOM

Ambassador Robert Scott, deputy commander for civil-military engagement at U.S. Africa Command, visited Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles May 11-18 to meet with partner nation government officials and discuss the countries’ regional efforts to address maritime security challenges.

“This was a valuable trip, and I was able to meet and have good discussions with ministers in all three nations,” Scott said. “I also visited coast guard facilities and the regional maritime information and operations centers in Madagascar and Seychelles.”

While in Port Louis, Mauritius, Scott conducted an office call with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, The Honorable Maneesh Gobin, followed by a meeting with the Secretary of Home Affairs Ravi Meettook.

“It was an honor to meet with Minister Gobin and discuss the enduring partnership between the United States and Mauritius,” Scott said. “Our discussions highlighted the shared commitment to addressing maritime security challenges and fostering regional stability, crucial for both our nations’ interests.”

Scott said his meeting with Secretary Meettook was highly productive as well.

“We explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in civil-military engagement, focusing on strengthening our collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and security of Mauritius and the broader Indian Ocean region,” he said.

The ambassador also met with Rashidali Issa Beekun, Deputy Commissioner of Police; Chetanandsingh Dawonauth, Superintendent of Police; and Captain C.G. Binoop, Commandant of the National Coast Guard, at the at the Line Barracks Police Station. The visit was followed by a tour conducted by the National Coast Guard including walkthroughs of the MCGS Barracuda and MCGS Victory. 

In Seychelles, Ambassador Scott met with Foreign Affairs and Tourism Principal Secretary Ambassador Vivian Fock Tave and Minister of Internal Affairs Erik Fonseka.

“It was an honor to engage with Ambassador Fock Tave and Minister Fonseka,” Scott said. “Our discussions underscored the robust partnership between the United States and Seychelles, particularly in maritime security. Their insights and commitment are invaluable as we work together to strengthen regional stability and security.” 

Following these meetings, Chief of Defense Forces Brigadier Michael Rosette and Chief of Staff Colonel Jean Attala led a tour of the Seychelles Coast Guard base. Scott also conducted an office call with Designated Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Jean-Francois Ferrari.

A focus throughout the trip was on the impact to the countries and ways to counter maritime security challenges the islands face, in waters that are seeing increasing traffic. 

“Piracy, IUU fishing, trafficking, and other maritime security challenges severely impact the economies of African coastal nations,” Scott said. “Supporting their efforts is crucial, especially given the increased maritime traffic due to the conflict in the Gulf of Aden.”

Scott’s visits to the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles and Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center in Madagascar showcased how nations in the West Indian Ocean are working to counter these challenges. 

The RCOC and the RMIFC are pivotal components of the Regional Maritime Security Architecture for the Western Indian Ocean. Funded by the EU’s Maritime Security in Eastern & Southern Africa & Indian Ocean (MASE) program and led by the Indian Ocean Commission, these centers focus on information exchange, sharing, and joint maritime operations. The centers focus on information exchange and sharing, and joint operations at sea. Working from information and intelligence provided from the RMIFC, the RCOC coordinates regional operations to combat illegal maritime activities. 

The ambassador’s visit highlights U.S. Africa Command’s 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil

 

 

 

Source: United States AFRICOM

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U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces (TPDF) hosted the Chiefs & Directors of Military Intelligence Conference (CDMIC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from April 30 to May 3.

Keynote speakers included U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rose Keravuori, AFRICOM director of intelligence, alongside TPDF Chief of Defence Intelligence Maj. Gen. Mbaraka Mkeremy.

The 2024 conference highlights AFRICOM’s commitment to fostering collaborative relationships with African partners, emphasizing the significance of intelligence engagement, and mutual interests. Serving as a pivotal forum, the conference facilitated the cultivation of collective strategies to address common challenges across Africa. Moreover, the conference reinforced AFRICOM’s whole-of-government approach, integrating diplomacy, development, and defense in its engagement with African counterparts.

Keravuori underscored the critical importance of timely intelligence sharing by introducing the innovative concept of intelligence diplomacy. She said this approach leverages intelligence as a key tool to inform decisions, foster alignment in strategies and perspectives, facilitate collaborative actions, and deny adversaries any undue advantages.

“Your calls will always be welcomed and your perspectives earnestly considered,” said Keravouri as she emphasized the command’s commitment to open communication.

Participants from 33 African nations converged to delve into crucial themes such as: The Challenge of Hybrid Threats in Africa; Violent Extremism & Organized Crime in Africa: Coexistence & Convergence; and Military Intelligence in the Maritime Domain: Enabling Early Warning across a Spectrum of Threats.

Gen. João Pereira Massano, head of the Angolan Military Intelligence and Security Service and co-host of the 2023 CDMIC, echoed this sentiment.

“The acquisition of information through extensive networks of relationships fosters and facilitates meaningful exchanges,” he said.

In his remarks, Mkeremy discussed the importance of partnership, characterizing it as a dual role of being both a friend and a brother at the same time.

“Our collective aim is to collaborate in crafting African-led solutions to prevailing challenges, while also striving to foster opportunities for the youth and prosperity for all,” said Mkeremy.

Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, senior fellow and director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies emphasized the relevance of intelligence diplomacy in addressing an expanding spectrum of global threats, ranging from organized crime to terrorism to digital disruptions. Dizolele asserted that intelligence diplomacy as a potent tool for states to forge mutually beneficial partnerships in the face of such challenges. Engagements like CDMIC, he said, play a pivotal role in nurturing essential bonds of trust that drive effective intelligence collaboration. Ultimately, Dizolele concluded, security cooperation hinges on the foundation of trust.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

For more information, visit our website (https://www.africom.mil), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AFRICOM/) and Twitter (@USAfricaCommand), or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.

Source: United States AFRICOM

AFRICOM Visit 3

Cotonou, Benin – U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Michael Woods, Command Senior Enlisted Leader visited Benin May 1-3, 2024, on his first trip to Benin since taking command.

This historic first visit marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthen democratic institutions, respect human rights, and foster prosperity for the people of Benin.

U.S. Ambassador to Benin Brian Shukan welcomed General Langley on his first visit to Cotonou in his current role. He stated, “General Langley’s visit underscores our diverse expanding partnership to help the Beninese people by our joint efforts to defend against violent extremism and to promote economic development.”

General Langley engaged in constructive dialogues with senior Benin civilian and military leadership, including the President of Benin Patrice Talon, as well as the Chief of Defense Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing common security challenges and advancing mutual interests. “Benin holds a strategic position in West Africa, and our partnership with the Benin defense forces is crucial in countering violent extremism and promoting stability in the region. This visit has further solidified our commitment to working alongside our Beninese counterparts in enhancing security cooperation and addressing emerging threats.”

The U.S. partnership with Benin spans over six decades, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960. The U.S. remains steadfast in its support for Benin’s efforts to promote democracy, enhance security, and improve the prosperity of its citizens.

Langley added, “The U.S. values its longstanding relationship with Benin, which is rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to regional security. We are proud to support Benin in its endeavors to strengthen democratic institutions, promote economic development, and enhance the well-being of its people.”

This visit also celebrates the 10th year of partnership between Benin’s military and North Dakota National Guard. This enduring partnership has facilitated exchanges of expertise, training, and resources, enhancing interoperability and capacity building. Through joint exercises and cultural exchanges, the program has strengthened bonds between North Dakota and Benin, further bolstering the broader US-Benin partnership and contributing to regional stability.

Through professionalization and capacity building assistance, the U.S. continues to support the development of Benin’s military and security forces, with a focus on enhancing domestic and regional security. This collaborative approach underscores the shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in West Africa.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

For more information, visit our website (https://www.africom.mil)), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AFRICOM/ ) and Twitter (@USAfricaCommand), or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil. 

Please also see the website (https://bj.usembassy.gov), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usembassybenin), and Twitter (@USEmbassyBenin) for the U.S. Embassy in Benin. 

For further information, please call the U.S. Embassy at +229 21 30 06 50. 

Source: United States AFRICOM

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Amb. Robert Scott, AFRICOM Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj Michael Woods, Command Senior Enlisted Leader visited Accra, Ghana, Apr. 30th through May 1st, to meet with senior Ghanaian leaders and participate in the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa (MARFORAF)’s Naval Infantry Leadership Summit-Africa (NILS-A).

Langley spoke at the opening ceremony for AMFS and NILS-A 2024 that had over 40 countries from four different continents attend. The events served as a crucial platform for identifying, sharing, and implementing solutions in collaboration with African coastal nations.

In her opening remarks to the conference, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer said, “Ghana has long been a leader in regional security and an exporter of peace.  Our security cooperation with Ghana is about building a long-term partnership, learning from each other, sharing best practices, and training together.   We appreciate President Akufo-Addo’s leadership and General Langley’s and AFRICOM’s important role in this partnership.” 

In addition, Langley, along with the Ambassador, met with His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana and his cabinet to discuss ways the two nations could work together more in security cooperation.

AFRICOM, in coordination with Ghanaian defense forces, has been actively engaged in countering violent extremism and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU-F) activities along the African coast. The collaboration between AFRICOM and Ghanaian defense forces underscores a shared commitment to regional stability and security.

“Ghana plays a pivotal role in ensuring maritime security in the region, and it’s an honor to engage with our Ghanaian counterparts and partners to address common challenges.” said Langley. “The AMFS/NILS-A underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling maritime security threats, and through forums like these, we strengthen our partnerships and enhance our collective capabilities.”

During the visit, Scott and Woods toured the U.S. Sixth Fleet’s USS Hershel Woody Williams, highlighting the ship’s importance in regional maritime security efforts. As a mobile sea base, the USS Hershel Woody Williams serves as a critical asset in supporting maritime operations, including counter-terrorism efforts, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions across the African continent.

AMFS/NILS-A sets the stage for West Africa’s largest maritime exercise, Obangame Express, which will commence shortly after the conclusion of the summit. This exercise, spanning across Africa’s West Coast from Cabo Verde to Namibia, demonstrates the commitment of the United States and its partners to enhancing maritime security and fostering regional cooperation.

Additionally, Scott, Woods, and Ms. Maura Barry, USAID Senior Developmental Advisor (SDA) to AFRICOM toured Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority facility and received a presentation at a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project that combats IUU-F at the port in Tema, Ghana. This event show cased AFRICOM’s 3D approach (defense, development, and diplomacy.)

Langley’s visit to Ghana underscores AFRICOM’s dedication to strengthening partnerships and advancing maritime security initiatives across the African continent. The U.S. and Ghana share a long history of promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Ghana has set an example for countries throughout Africa in promoting resilient democratic institutions, transparent and peaceful transitions of power, and regional stability.

AFRICOM leadership engaged Ghanaian and West African leadership throughout the week sharing with audiences the important of AMFS/NILS-A, the importance of the U.S.-Ghanaian relationship, and the need for more collaboration to counter IUU-F.

This is the second convening of AMFS, after Cabo Verde hosted the inaugural edition of the Summit in March 2023. It is also the third NILS-A, with the most recent convening occurring in Dakar, Senegal in 2022. AMFS/NILS-A 2024 marks the first time these have been combined into a single event.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil

Source: United States AFRICOM

Washington –U.S. Africa Command commander, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, wrapped up his annual posture statement to Congress with a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee March 21. 

 Langley testified alongside Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Dr. Celeste Wallander, and U.S. Central Command commander, U.S. Army General Michael Kurilla.

 In his opening remarks, Langley provided and overview of the command’s top concerns and strategic goals. “Today’s global events, ranging from the Russian Federation’s war in Ukraine to the Houthis attacks in the Red Sea, directly impact the lives of millions of Africans,” Langley said. 

 “Terrorism, poverty, food insecurity, climate change and mass migration shatter African lives. These factors sow the seeds of violent extremism and Russian exploitation across entire regions of the continent,” he said. “We’re seeing impacts as these threats unfold…Challenges to democratic governance across the Sahel, complicating our relations with key partners.”

 The command is part of a three-part team of diplomacy, development, and defense professionals – a 3D approach – to ensure a synchronized whole-of-government effect, Langley explained. 

 “AFRICOM’s campaign [plan] revolves around central themes of ensuring strategic access, countering threats to the homeland and U.S. interests, preparing for and response to crises, and lastly, bolstering our allies and partners,” Langley said. The plan, “places our African partners at the center achieving positive change by executing African led, but U.S. enabled, operations.”

 Much of the discussion during the hearing focused on strategic competition from both China and Russia. Langley emphasized the need for a comprehensive whole-of-government approach as it relates to U.S. engagement in Africa because it provides an intrinsic value that competitors cannot match.

 “They can’t match what we’ve been doing in health diplomacy or what USAID has been able to achieve in regards to malaria, AIDS, COVID, Ebola, and also the full throes of the PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) program of increasing life expectancy over 20 percent.”

 In the official statement of record submitted to Congress last week, Langley also noted that the partnerships are built with sovereign African partners as they implement their own solutions to achieve a just, secure, and prosperous future. The contrasts across the operating environment are stark. Some of the governments are struggling to stave off state failure, while other enjoy the benefits of modern development and reliable governance.

 Use of kinetic military force is a last resort that can produce fleeting or counterproductive outcomes, he said in the written statement. 

 “AFRICOM’s approach is to help African people address underlying conditions. “We operationalize the toolkit of security cooperation…institutional capacity building, multinational exercises…intelligence and information sharing,” Langley said. “The outcome for which we all strive in Africa – the outcome most important to America’s national security – is a continent of free, safe, prosperous, and resilient nations that hold their peoples’ interests at heart.”

Source: United States AFRICOM

Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, visited troops deployed to Niger during a three-day trip to the country, March 12-14.

The trip, led by Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs Molly Phee and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander, was to continue ongoing discussions with leaders of the National Council for Safeguarding the Homeland (CNSP) regarding Niger’s return to a democratic path and the future of our security and development partnership.

“The United States’ strategic presence in the Sahel is crucial for combating terrorism and supporting our African partners,” said Langley, “U.S. personnel in Niger continue their work to monitor for violent extremist threats. Visiting these men and women is important to me so I can hear about the challenges they are facing.”

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. U.S. Africa Command employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command’s 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration.

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.

Source: United States AFRICOM

AFRICOM logo

U.S. Africa Command Civilian Casualty Assessment Report

In the latest quarterly civilian casualty assessment report period ending Dec. 31, 2023, U.S. Africa Command received two (2) new reports of civilian casualties which were found to be unsubstantiated. There were no open reports carried over from previous quarters. As of the end of this reporting period, there are no open reports.

This is the 16th quarterly civilian casualty assessment report since U.S. Africa Command began releasing reports in April 2020. The reports are part of the command’s commitment to transparency and accountability. 

U.S. Africa Command takes all reports of possible civilian casualties seriously and has a process to conduct thorough assessments using all available information. The command will continue to maintain and improve the civilian casualty assessment program and remains committed to reviewing and assessing any reports of civilian harm.

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Publication of Department of Defense Instruction 3000.17 “Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response”

The Department of Defense published the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 3000.17 “Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response” on December 21, 2023.  The reports of civilian casualties contained in this quarterly report were received prior to DoDI 3000.17’s publication. U.S. Africa Command reviewed and assessed the reports in accordance with previously established combatant command processes.  

For future quarterly reporting, U.S. Africa Command will process reports of civilian harm in accordance with guidance established under DoDI 3000.17.

Discrepancies between U.S. Africa Command civilian casualty assessments and NGO Reports

U.S. Africa Command’s assessment of reports of civilian casualties occasionally differ from other organizations, including Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) for a number of reasons. The command’s information is based on reliable and layered intelligence sources and classified operational reporting which are not available to the public. This can contribute to perceived discrepancies between the command’s results and those of others. 

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Definition of “civilian” and “combatant”

When assessing reports of civilian casualties, DoD considers whether any members of the civilian population were wounded or killed as a direct result of U.S. military operations. For the purposes of such assessments, DoD does not include members of the civilian population who have forfeited the protections of civilian status by engaging in hostilities. Information about different classes of persons under the law of war, including “civilians” and “combatants,” can be found in Chapter IV of the DoD Law of War Manual (June 2015, Updated December 2016), which is available at: https://ogc.osd.mil/images/law_war_manual_december_16.pdf  

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U.S. Africa Command Quarterly Civilian Casualty Assessment Report 

Summary of Results

Completed Assessments

Note: The below reports of civilian casualties were assessed under previously established command processes prior to DoDI 3000.17’s publication. Under the previous command processes for responding to reports of civilian casualties, reports of civilian casualties are determined to be unsubstantiated when there was insufficient information to validate or substantiate the reports. When new information is received, a report of civilian casualties could be reassessed. Until that occurs, the assessment is considered complete.  

1. On Oct. 24, 2023, U.S. Africa Command received one (1) report from an online media source stating two (2) civilians were killed as a result of a U.S. military operation in the vicinity of Buaale, Somalia, on Oct. 24, 2023.  After review, the report was assessed as unsubstantiated. No U.S. military strike occurred at the time and place reported.
2. On Dec. 4, 2023, U.S. Africa Command received one (1) report from an online media source stating two (2) civilian was killed as a result of a U.S. military operation in the vicinity of Jilib District, Somalia, on Dec. 4, 2023. After review, the report was assessed as unsubstantiated. No U.S. military strike occurred at the time and place reported. 

Open Assessments

There are no open assessments during this quarter.

Source: United States AFRICOM

AFRICOM logo

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense against the al Shabaab terrorist group on Mar. 2.

The collective self-defense airstrike occurred in a remote area in the vicinity approximately 45 km northeast of Kismayo.

The initial post-strike assessment indicates that the U.S. airstrike killed two al Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were harmed.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this airstrike and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security.

Al Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces and threaten U.S. security interests. U.S. Africa Command, alongside its partners, continues to take action to prevent this malicious terrorist group from planning and conducting attacks in the region, which disproportionately harms civilians.

Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al Shabaab.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, with partners, counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, and strengthens security forces in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability and prosperity.