Africa Leaders Summit

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III host a multi-lateral meeting with (left to right) President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, President Ismail Omar Guelleh and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia at the Africa Leaders Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Dec. 13, 2022. "We thanked the presidents for hosting U.S. forces and their focus on countering violent extremist threats," said Austin after the meeting.

By Chad McNeeley , Office of the Secretary of Defense Washington, D.C. Dec 13, 2022

Download full-resolution image

Niger

Somalia

africa leaders summit

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 to Enhance Maritime Security in East Africa

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and enabled by U.S. Sixth Fleet kicks off in Port Louis, Mauritius Feb. 2-12.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants from Jan. 21-22, 2026.

U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2026.

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 to Enhance Maritime Security in East Africa

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and enabled by U.S. Sixth Fleet kicks off in Port Louis, Mauritius Feb. 2-12.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants from Jan. 21-22, 2026.

U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2026.

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 to Enhance Maritime Security in East Africa

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and enabled by U.S. Sixth Fleet kicks off in Port Louis, Mauritius Feb. 2-12.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants from Jan. 21-22, 2026.

U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2026.

United States Africa Command

Africa Leaders Summit