Morocco Hosts Conference to Enhance African Military Leadership
1:55 PM6/12/2025
More than 130 enlisted leaders from the U.S. and 30 African countries convened in Rabat, Morocco, June 10-12, for the 7th Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference.
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)
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)
U.S. and Kenya Conclude Successful 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi
2:04 PM6/10/2025
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.
Maj. Gen. Garrick Harmon, Director, Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command, speaks at the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant Generals Conference in Nairobi, Kenya May 27, 2025. The SPP Adjutant General Conference unites National Guard Bureau leaders and Adjutant Generals from AFRICOM partner states aligning state-level partnerships with combatant command strategies and solutions to shared challenges across Africa, underscoring the SPP's role in advancing defense objectives and promoting broader military-to-military cooperation.
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 Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, speaks to U.S. National Guard leaders during the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 27, 2025. U.S. National Guard leaders attended the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 to integrate states with combatant commands’ strategy and share best practices.
The ACHOD 2025 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. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks at the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant Generals Conference in Nairobi, Kenya May 27, 2025. The SPP Adjutant General Conference unites National Guard Bureau leaders and Adjutant Generals from AFRICOM partner states aligning state-level partnerships with combatant command strategies and solutions to shared challenges across Africa, underscoring the SPP's role in advancing defense objectives and promoting broader military-to-military cooperation.
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 Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
AFRICOM, National Guard Leaders Engage in Strategic Dialogue
1:55 PM6/10/2025
U.S. Army Major General Garrick Harmon, Director of Strategy, Plans and Programs, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Major General William Edwards Director of Strategic Plans and Policy, and International Affairs, National Guard Bureau joined leaders from the National Guard units of 13 U.S. states and the District of Columbia for a conference to discuss the State Partnership Program on the African continent during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference, on May 27, 2025.
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense conference, May 28, 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. (Courtesy upload for Elly Okware)
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces (front-center), Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard, U.S. Embassy Nairobi, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and various African Chiefs of Defense and representatives from 38 countries pose for the official group photo of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense conference, May 28, 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 Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces (left) greets U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, during the opening ceremony for the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense conference, May 28, 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. (Courtesy upload for Elly Okware)
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
12:00 AM5/28/2025
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
250514-N-RO855-1030 PRAIA, Cabo Verde (May 14, 2025) – U.S. Africa Command Ambassador Robert Scott, gathers with members from the Joint Exercise Control Group during Obangame Express 2025. Obangame Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caleb M. Foote)
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference in Lusaka, Zambia
12:18 PM4/29/2025
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Chaplains actively participate in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9 - 12, 2025, uniting military and government Chaplains from across the region. This engagement underscores AFRICOM’s steadfast commitment to regional stability, recognizing that a secure and resilient Africa directly supports global and U.S. security interests
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, delivers his remarks during the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, April 24, 2025. Flintlock 25, Africa's premier special operations exercise, strengthens combat-ready forces from over 30 nations to combat terrorism, deter against shared threats and build a more secure future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Zachary Wright)
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
9:59 AM4/29/2025
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Federal Government of Somalia engages ISIS-Somalia with support from U.S. Forces
9:17 PM4/18/2025
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025.
Combined Drug Operation Seizes Six Tons of Cocaine in Gulf of Guinea
4:18 PM3/27/2025
In a significant combined operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Justin Belford, an exercise planner with 7th Mission Support Command, introduces key planning concepts to participants of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. The introduction session set the stage for multinational collaboration ahead of the official opening ceremony. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, Chief of the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO), and Col. Jonathan Rungwe, Commandant of the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), welcome a Swiss service member with a handshake during the opening ceremony of Exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at HPSS in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)