The commander of U.S. Africa Command General David M. Rodriguez provided an update on AFRICOM and U.S. military priorities in Africa for nearly 60 professionals from 40 African nations attending the Next Generation of African Security Sector Leaders (NextGen) course October 23, 2013, just outside of Washington, D.C., hosted by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS).

Gen. Rodriguez, who took command of AFRICOM in March 2013, noted that 7 of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa. He gave an overview of the strategic environment in Africa, then AFRICOM’s strategy for addressing security opportunities and challenges, as well as ways that the U.S. military can work with partners in Africa.

He emphasized that U.S. Africa Command is guided by the President’s policy guidance for Africa and by the U.S. Department of Defense strategic priorities, which emphasize low-cost, small-footprint, innovative approaches to U.S. military activities in Africa.

Gen. Rodriguez’ remarks were videotaped. His more than 30-minutes of questions and answers were conducted under the Africa Center’s policy of nonattribution to promote candid dialogue. Earlier in the day, Gen. Rodriguez met with members of the African diplomatic corps posted in Washington, D.C. He also took part in an on-the-record interview with international participants at the U.S. Department of State.

To see the video, Clcik here.