AFRICOM delegation attends presidential inauguration in Niger

Ambassador Andrew Young, deputy to the commander for civil-military engagement traveled to Niger to attend the presidential inauguration of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, April 2.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Apr 06, 2021

View Gallery

AFRICOM delegation attends presidential inauguration in Niger

Gallery contains 1 image

Ambassador Andrew Young, deputy to the commander for civil-military engagement traveled to Niger to attend the presidential inauguration of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, April 2. U.S. Ambassador to Niger, Eric P. Whitaker led the delegation, which included representatives from diplomacy, defense, and development.

Barbara Hughes, senior development advisor for U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Fletcher Washington, U.S. Africa Command’s deputy director of operations accompanied Ambassadors Whitaker and Young.

“I was honored to represent U.S. Africa Command in a delegation demonstrating American diplomatic, development, and defense support to Niger. We were pleased to join distinguished partners from several African and European nations to mark this moment in Niger’s history,” said Young. “The transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents is a testament to Niger strengthening its democracy at home and serving as an impressive example abroad,” he added.

Niger is a critical West African partner and plays an important role in contributing to regional security and countering violent extremist organizations.

“We value our long-standing partnership with Niger, a nation on the frontlines fighting threats in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. We honor and share the sacrifices of the Nigerien people in our collective struggle against extremism and instability,” said Young.

Washington also highlighted Niger’s significance to security in the region.

“Niger is vital to countering violent extremist organization efforts,” said Washington. “We value the relationship we have built over the years and look forward to continued cooperation that contributes to regional stability.”

President Bazoum follows President Mahamadou Issoufou. The inauguration marked the first transition of power between two democratically elected presidents since the nation gained its independence in 1960.

U.S. transfers C-130 aircraft to Nigerien partners

Africa Leaders Summit

Austin: listening to African partners critical to development of productive relationships 

Leaders engage in Niger to better security, cooperation efforts

USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Niger, Africa

Niger

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

AFRICOM delegation attends presidential inauguration in Niger

Ambassador Andrew Young, deputy to the commander for civil-military engagement traveled to Niger to attend the presidential inauguration of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, April 2.

U.S. Africa Command delegation attends presidential inauguration in Niger