State, Defense officials focus on East Africa security

Concerns of host nations priority during two-day event

By Master Sgt. Paul Gorman , Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Jan 30, 2017

View Gallery

State, Defense officials focus on East Africa security

Gallery contains 4 images

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. Embassy representatives from eight East African nations joined military leaders from U.S. Africa Command and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier Jan. 24, for the 2017 East Africa Security Synchronization Conference.

The two-day event was hosted by CJTF-HOA under the leadership of U.S. AFRICOM Commander Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, and provided the opportunity for open dialogue, to discuss the security environments of each country.

“My goal for the conference is that we synchronize the efforts of U.S. AFRICOM, and the visions of the Chiefs of Mission,” Waldhauser said. “I truly view this as partnership.”

He continued by stressing the importance of aligning regional military priorities with those of the ambassador’s host countries. According to Waldhauser, the highest priority must be placed on the concerns of the host nation, followed by those of the embassy, and lastly those of U.S. AFRICOM.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Amanda Dory recognized the unique role the embassy teams play in supporting stability and security in East Africa. She saw their role as complimentary to the regional U.S. military mission.

“Our diplomatic platforms in each of the countries are a critical part of both counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism,” Dory said.

Guest speaker Dr. Paul Williams, author of War and Conflict in Africa, gave an overview of contemporary armed conflict in East Africa, highlighting the myths and key drivers of conflict that impact regional stability.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kurt Sonntag, commander of CJTF-HOA gave the final presentation. As a commanding general on the only permanent U.S. military installation in Africa, he is tasked to coordinate and oversee all military activities throughout the Horn of Africa on behalf of U.S. AFRICOM.

Sonntag used the opportunity to thank the embassy representatives present for their participation, and assure them that as CJTF-HOA adapts to meet future mission requirements, the commitment to support their efforts would endure.

Following the conference, Waldhauser reserved time to engage individually with U.S. ambassadors.

“It’s very important to hear [the ambassador’s] views and understand the challenges they have,” Waldhauser said. “To work with them, and find solutions to some of the challenges that are of benefit not only to U.S. or AFRICOM interests, but the interests of those particular countries as well.”

Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security

U.S. Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation with Kenya During NAVAF Commander’s Visit

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab

Massachusetts National Guard leaders join Kenyan partners at African Land Forces Summit

U.S., Ivorian Armed Forces Enhance Readiness

U.S. Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation with Kenya During NAVAF Commander’s Visit

U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff’s visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24–25.

Massachusetts National Guard leaders join Kenyan partners at African Land Forces Summit

Senior leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard attended the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) in Rome, Italy, March 23-24, 2026, alongside senior leaders of the Kenya Defence Forces, marking over a decade of partnership through the State Partnership Program (SPP).

Nebraska Airman leads Tanzania’s first-ever medical readiness exercise at Justified Accord 26

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angela Ling spearheaded the first-ever Tanzanian medical readiness exercise during Justified Accord 26. She transformed a state partnership into real-world operational readiness.

U.S. Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation with Kenya During NAVAF Commander’s Visit

U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff’s visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24–25.

Massachusetts National Guard leaders join Kenyan partners at African Land Forces Summit

Nebraska Airman leads Tanzania’s first-ever medical readiness exercise at Justified Accord 26

U.S. Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation with Kenya During NAVAF Commander’s Visit

U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff’s visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24–25.

Massachusetts National Guard leaders join Kenyan partners at African Land Forces Summit

Nebraska Airman leads Tanzania’s first-ever medical readiness exercise at Justified Accord 26

United States Africa Command

State, Defense officials focus on East Africa security

Concerns of host nations priority during two-day event