U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley visited Senegal, Algeria and Ghana, Feb. 6-10, on his second trip to Africa in 2023.
The trip included several stops to meet with host nation civilian and military leaders, U.S. Embassy leadership and U.S. service members in the region.
“The return on investment is ten-fold when I visit with our African partners,” said Langley.
“These engagements result in impactful dialogue on important issues and they serve as a strengthening catalyst for our mutual interests, which are as vast as this rich and diverse continent.”
Langley began the trip with a visit to Senegal where met with President Macky Sall, Minister of Defense Sidiki Kaba and Gen. Cheikh Wade, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Senegal.
In addition to meeting with Senegalese leadership, he visited partner forces at Maison Militaire.
“We continue to strengthen our partnership with Senegal and recognize their leadership in West Africa’s complex security issues like countering illicit maritime activity.” said Langley.
“Their recent participation in Obangame Express 2023 highlights their commitment to combating transnational maritime challenges.”
In Algeria, Langley met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Gen. Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff, Algerian People’s National Army, to discuss opportunities where U.S.-Algerian militaries could partner.
“I had the opportunity to share a phone call with Gen. Chanegriha last November and made a commitment to visit Algeria in 2023,” said Langley. “I appreciate Algeria’s efforts in countering terrorism and supporting regional stability through their initiatives to train neighboring forces.”
Closing out his trip with Ghana, Langley met with President Nana Akufo-Addo, Minister of Defense Dominic Nitiwul and Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defense, Ghana Armed Forces, to discuss areas of mutual concern to include counter-terrorism and crisis response.
“Ghana is a strong partner,” said Langley. “We value their important role as a security leader in the region and are proud to work alongside Ghanaian forces in a variety of multinational efforts like Exercise Flintlock, which they are hosting this year.”
The militaries of Senegal, Algeria and Ghana frequently participate in U.S. Africa Command’s Express Series of military exercises, which focus on maritime security and partner interoperability.
These countries also regularly attend the command’s annual Chief of Defense Conference.
Langley’s trip highlights the importance of strengthening longstanding defense relationships and building collaborative interests between the U.S. military and African nations to address concerns and threats on the continent.
U.S. Africa Command engagements with African partners and serves as the “defense” piece to the United States’ “3D” approach, which also includes “diplomacy” and “development”.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
