STUTTGART, Germany – In a high-level diplomatic and military engagement across East Africa, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley and USMC Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, the command senior enlisted leader, concluded a strategic visit to Djibouti, Somalia, and Ethiopia from June 16 to 20. The trip reinforced U.S. security partnerships, bolstered regional counterterrorism efforts, and underscored AFRICOM’s support for African-led stability operations in the Horn of Africa.
In Djibouti City, General Langley and U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Kierscht met with key government and military officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister of Defense Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, and Chief of Defense General Zakaria Chiek Ibrahim. The meetings reaffirmed the United States’ enduring commitment to its strategic military presence in Djibouti a key partner and home to Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent U.S. military base on the continent.
“Despite the growing threats of terrorist groups like ISIS and al Shabaab, our continued partnership with Djibouti furthers our ability to counter terrorism and promote peace and security,” Langley stated during his remarks.
The general then traveled to Somalia, visiting the Hargeisa and Berbera airfields alongside U.S. Ambassador Richard Riley IV. There, he held talks with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), Defense Minister Muhammad Yusuf Ali, and senior military leaders, including Brig. Gen. Nimcaan Yusuf Osman and Adm. Ahmed Hurre Huriye. Langley emphasized the strategic importance of cooperating with Somali authorities in combatting al Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia, which remain significant threats to regional stability.
Langley also participated in the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) change of command ceremony, a symbol of the ongoing U.S. commitment to its regional partners. The CJTF-HOA remains central to U.S. counterterrorism and stability operations across East Africa, working to strengthen partner nation defense capabilities and enhance regional security coordination.
In Ethiopia, Langley met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Chief of the General Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, and Major General Teshome Gemechu. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga, the delegation discussed Ethiopia’s critical role in ensuring security in the Horn of Africa and combating violent extremism. Langley highlighted AFRICOM’s support for Ethiopia’s efforts to build resilient, self-reliant security institutions.
“African-led solutions are key to long-term stability. Our engagement is focused on enabling capable institutions, countering terrorism, and addressing the root causes of instability,” Langley told Ethiopian leaders.
Langley’s trip also included a meeting with African Union Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi, where he reaffirmed U.S. backing for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and broader peacekeeping efforts across the continent. While at AU headquarters, Langley paid tribute at the African Union Memorial Wall, honoring peacekeepers who died in the line of duty during AU missions.
He also addressed broader security concerns, particularly the alarming rise of extremist violence in the Sahel and West Africa’s coastal regions, where terrorist networks are expanding their reach. Langley stressed the need for unified responses among African nations and international partners to tackle transnational threats and malign influence, including from non-state actors and foreign entities exploiting fragile regions.
AFRICOM, one of the seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, is responsible for military operations across 53 African nations. The command works closely with African governments and regional organizations to counter violent extremism, promote peacekeeping, respond to crises, and advance shared security and development goals. Langley’s visit served as a powerful demonstration of AFRICOM’s long-term commitment to building strong, sovereign African partners capable of ensuring their own security and contributing to global peace.
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