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Gen. Langley makes first visit to the Sahel as commander

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph M. Cortez, 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander, explains base defense postures to U.S. Marine Corps Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, during his visit at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21, Langley's second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow 

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Gen. Langley makes first visit to the Sahel as commander

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Codi Carter (left), 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Air Advisor Program Manager, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Blake Burden (middle), 409th ESFS vehicle control officer, brief U.S. Marine Corps Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, during his visit at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21, Langley's second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow 

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Gen. Langley makes first visit to the Sahel as commander

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to Airmen and Soldiers stationed at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow 

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Gen. Langley makes first visit to the Sahel as commander

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caleb Mack (right), 409th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Operator, explains his mission at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger to U.S. Marine Corps Michael Langley (left), U.S. Africa Command commander during his visit, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21, Langley's second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow 

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Gen. Langley makes first visit to the Sahel as commander

U.S. Marine Corps Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, speaks to Airmen and Soldiers stationed at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, during his visit, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21, Langley's second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Alexandra Longfellow 

** Read the release in French.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley visited Niger and Chad, Sept. 18-21, 2022, on his second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9, 2022.

The four-day trip included several stops to meet with host nation military leaders, U.S. Chiefs of Mission, and U.S. troops deployed to the region.

“Security and stability in the Sahel are shared interests of the United States and our partners in the region,” Langley said. “We are grateful to our security partners for their demonstrated commitment to the counter-violent extremist fight. I look forward to continuing to build on our partnerships.”

During his stop in Niger, Langley visited troops at operational sites to witness ongoing training efforts, and assess security and force protection measures. He also met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Susan N’Garnim and Major General Salifou Mody, Niger Armed Forces Chief of Defense, to discuss the strong U.S.-Niger security partnership and shared priorities.

In Chad, Langley visited U.S. Ambassador Alexander Laskaris and Chad’s Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Abakar Abdelkarim Daoud to discuss regional security priorities. During his meetings, Langley stressed that respect for democracy and human rights enhance resilience and stability and make societies less susceptible to extremist movements. Additionally, he met with U.S. troops to observe training, equipping and capacity building efforts.

U.S. Africa Command remains committed to bilateral partnership with Niger and Chad.