Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, U.S. Africa Command and Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command meet with the lead for Madagascar delegation during a pull aside at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 30, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Libby Weiler, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to attendees during a closing ceremony at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Libby Weiler, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
U.S. and Kenya Conclude Successful 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi
2:04 PM6/10/2025
The United States and Kenya successfully concluded the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi, Kenya, uniting senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to strengthen partnerships, advance African-led security solutions, and address critical challenges such as terrorism and regional instability, May 28-29, 2025.
Maj. Gen. Garrick Harmon, Director, Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command, speaks at the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant Generals Conference in Nairobi, Kenya May 27, 2025. The SPP Adjutant General Conference unites National Guard Bureau leaders and Adjutant Generals from AFRICOM partner states aligning state-level partnerships with combatant command strategies and solutions to shared challenges across Africa, underscoring the SPP's role in advancing defense objectives and promoting broader military-to-military cooperation.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, speaks to U.S. National Guard leaders during the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 27, 2025. U.S. National Guard leaders attended the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 to integrate states with combatant commands’ strategy and share best practices.
The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks at the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant Generals Conference in Nairobi, Kenya May 27, 2025. The SPP Adjutant General Conference unites National Guard Bureau leaders and Adjutant Generals from AFRICOM partner states aligning state-level partnerships with combatant command strategies and solutions to shared challenges across Africa, underscoring the SPP's role in advancing defense objectives and promoting broader military-to-military cooperation.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces (front-center), Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard, U.S. Embassy Nairobi, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and various African Chiefs of Defense and representatives from 38 countries pose for the official group photo of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense conference, May 28, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces (left) greets U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, during the opening ceremony for the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense conference, May 28, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (Courtesy upload for Elly Okware)
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
12:00 AM5/28/2025
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire
1:43 PM5/5/2025
L-R: Ivoirian National Security Advisor Fidele Sarassoro, U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara, AFRICOM Commander Gen. Michael Langley, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lassina Doumbia
General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire
1:43 PM5/5/2025
Front Row L-R Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lassina Doumbia, AFRICOM Commander Gen. Michael Langley, Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara, U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, National Security Advisor Fidele Sarassoro.
Back Row: Director General of Strategic Affairs Brig. Gen. Bakary Diarassouba, and U.S. Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Thomas Dyrenforth
General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire
1:31 PM5/5/2025
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command's annual combined special operations exercise.
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, delivers his remarks during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. Flintlock 25, Africa's premier special operations exercise, strengthens combat-ready forces from over 30 nations to combat terrorism, deter against shared threats and build a more secure future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, walks with General Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Defense Staff of Côte d’Ivoire, during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. Flintlock, Africa's premier special operations exercise, unites U.S., allied and partner forces to build the readiness and lethality essential for achieving peace through strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, observes a joint special operations demonstration during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. During Flintlock 25's opening ceremony, Ivorian and UK Special Forces showcased the lethality and readiness essential for combatting shared threats with a joint raid demonstration, underscoring the exercise's commitment to achieving peace through strength. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
9:59 AM4/29/2025
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
U.S. Africa Command 2025 Posture Statement to Senate Armed Services Committee
1:24 PM4/4/2025
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, testified yesterday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivering the command’s 2025 posture statement and highlighting the strategic importance of the African continent.
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Brigadier Gen. Paul Koech, chief of training at Kenya Defence Headquarters, formally opens exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) by signing a proclamation at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, chief of the Kenya U.S. Liaison Office (KUSLO), and KDF Col. John Rongoei, commandant of HPSS, stand together as witnesses during the signing ceremony at HPSS. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
Deputy Commander Strengthens Partnerships in Tanzania
12:36 PM2/26/2025
Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U S. Africa Command Deputy Commander, traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 20-21 to meet with the Chief of Tanzanian People 's Defence Forces Gen. Jacob John Mkunda, and to be the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express.