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U.S. Africa Command

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)

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Photo by: Libby Weiler 

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U.S. Africa Command

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)

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Photo by: Libby Weiler 

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.

Co-hosted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), under the leadership of U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, and the Kenya Defence Forces, the conference facilitated robust dialogue among Chiefs of Defense from across Africa, and other leaders from Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa. Discussions centered on counterterrorism, maritime security, civilian-military relations, and strategies to counter emerging threats.

“This conference has reinforced the power of collaboration, enabling African nations and the United States to align strategies and build resilient partnerships to tackle complex threats like terrorism and malign external influences,” said Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command. “Our work with Kenya and 36 other African nations this week strengthens our shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Africa.”

The 2025 ACHOD featured over 70 bilateral engagements, panel discussions with high-level civilian and military officials in Nairobi, and collaborative sessions to enhance regional cooperation. The event underscored Kenya’s pivotal role as a regional leader in East Africa and built on the success of the 2024 conference in Gaborone, Botswana, by fostering actionable outcomes to promote stability and security across the continent.

Langley continued, “This conference serves as a prime opportunity to communicate our renewed emphasis on warfighting and warrior readiness, something we have always aimed for but are putting even more effort on as we work together with our partners in Africa.”

The conference also highlighted U.S. initiatives, such as the State Partnership Program and professional military education, aimed at bolstering African security forces’ capabilities. Outcomes included commitments to enhance regional counterterrorism coordination, improve maritime security frameworks, and support African-led peacekeeping efforts.

The 2025 ACHOD reached over 150 journalists worldwide, amplifying its message of unity and collaboration. Since its inception in 2017, the conference has been a cornerstone for military leaders to address transnational threats and build enduring partnerships. AFRICOM remains committed to supporting African nations in achieving their security and development goals.

U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.