New US AFRICOM commander makes first visit to Africa

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: United States Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley visited Djibouti, Somalia, and Manda Bay, Kenya, August 28-31, 2022 on his first trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on August 9, 2022.

During the four-day visit, Langley visited with host nation leaders, senior State Department and defense officials, and deployed troops to better understand the political and military situation in East Africa, discuss shared concerns and priorities, and see ongoing operations firsthand.

While in Somalia, Langley met leaders and troops at operational sites across the country to witness ongoing training efforts, and assess security and force protection measures. He also met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, to discuss shared priorities and operations, such as our shared fight against Al-Shabaab.

“The United States supports the Somali government and its people. We are committed to working together to advance our mutual prosperity for our countries. I appreciate Somalia’s efforts in the fight against Al-Shabaab and look forward to continued partnership between our two militaries”

In Djibouti, Langley met with leaders to discuss the variety of missions that staged out of Camp Lemonnier. He also met with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and discussed how to strengthen the already strong U.S.-Djiboutian relationship.

“The United States is grateful for the leadership Djibouti has shown through its contributions to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the gracious hospitality the Djiboutians show to our troops. I look forward to continuing to foster our enduring, strong and cooperative relationship.”

Finally, at Manda Bay, Kenya, Langley met with the U.S. Ambassador, senior defense leaders stationed at the U.S. Embassy, and leaders from the base to assess security and force protection measures.

“Cooperative Security Location-Manda Bay is an important operational base for U.S. Africa Command forces in the region. The missions here are possible thanks to the exceptional relationship we have with our Kenyan partners and their commitment to regional security and stability.”

General Langley was joined in his consultations by U.S. Ambassadors to each country.