Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs

July 28, 2022
Africom Dealing With Strategic Competition, Terrorism Threats

Africa is the central focus of terrorism in the world, while strategic competition with China and Russia remains the main challenge, Africom’s commander said.
July 12, 2022
Blyden Says Sahel's Problems Require African, Partner Coordination

The complex problems in Africa are such that they will require African nations working with other countries to address them, the Defense Department's deputy assistant secretary for African affairs told a Senate panel.
May 16, 2022
U.S. to Resume Small, Persistent Presence in Somalia

The U.S. military advise-and-assist support to forces in Somalia will soon change from an ad hoc basis to one of persistent presence, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.
May 4, 2022
U.S., Kenyan Officials Assess Military Relationship

U.S. and Kenyan defense officials met at the Pentagon to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the countries and look for new ways to increase defense cooperation.
March 18, 2022
Ambassador Looks to Further Partnership With African Nations, DOD

U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young is the personification of U.S. policy on the African continent — diplomacy first.
March 17, 2022
Commander Details How U.S. Africa Command Furthers Defense Goals

Africa is a continent of tremendous potential and tremendous danger. It is U.S. Africa Command's mission to help African nations capitalize on the potential and lessen the dangers, said Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of Africom.
March 17, 2022
General Says China Is Seeking a Naval Base in West Africa

The Chinese are activity seeking a military naval base in Africa on the Atlantic coast, which would threaten U.S. national security, Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command said.
March 17, 2022
Africom Working to Help Nations Develop Professional NCOs

Professional military organizations serve their people, not the elites of nations, and the hallmark of these military organizations are effective NCO Corps, said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Africa Command.
March 15, 2022
Generals Discuss Security Challenges in Africa, Middle East

China, Russia, Iran and terrorist organizations continue to engage in malign activities in the Middle East and Africa, generals told lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
July 1, 2021
Leaders Committed to Transparency With African Partners

The commander of U.S. Africa Command said that while the U.S. doesn't ask African nations to choose between it and other nations like Russia and China, he does offer caution about what's being offered and what the terms are.