U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits West Africa, Underscores Partnership in Addressing Evolving Terrorism Threat

U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, right, Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi, Benin Chief of Defense Staff, center, and Brian Shukan, U.S. Ambassador to Benin, left, salute a formation of military honors in Cotonou, Benin, on Sept. 16, 2025. During his visit, Anderson met with Benin’s President Patrice Talon; Minister of Defense, Dr. Alain Fortunet Nauatin; and Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi. The engagements reaffirmed Benin’s strategic importance as a key security partner in the region and explored ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination in support of shared goals for regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)



By AFRICOM Public Affairs U.S. Africa Command Cotonou, Benin Sep 22, 2025
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