U.S. Africa Command’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Andrew Young met with leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the DRC capital city Kinshasha Jan. 27-29, 2021
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
U.S. Africa Command’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Director of Intelligence, Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo to welcome the countries’ re-established security cooperation relationship. The trip marks the first visit of a U.S. Africa Command delegation to the DRC since the signing of the U.S. and DRC Memorandum of Understanding in October 2020, according to AFRICOM. Leaders emphasized U.S. Africa Command’s commitment to the U.S.-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, AFRICOM said in a statement.
“The Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity is an example of how we work together, how we set joint objectives and set steps to take together to foster a more stable, secure, and prosperous Democratic Republic of the Congo. With this foundation in place, the DRC can move toward professionalizing its military and contribute to wider peacekeeping operations, thus enhancing regional security while improving the quality of life for the Congolese people.”
-U.S. AFRICOM Ambassador Andrew Young
U.S. Africa Command’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Director of Intelligence, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg engage with news media in DR Congo during Jan. 27-29 visit.
During the trip, Young and Berg, along with U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Mike Hammer, met with high-level Congolese military and civilian leaders, including President Felix Tshisekedi, Foreign Minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, Defense Minister Aime Ngoy Mukena, Deputy Minister of Defense Sylvain Mutombo, and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC Gen. Célestin Mbala Munsense.
“We are looking to build a new future with a new generation of military leaders and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Berg.
The visit also focused on professionalizing and strengthening the Congolese military as well President Tshisekedi’s anti-corruption reform agenda, AFRICOM said. The delegation also discussed efforts to improve civil-military relations and respect for human rights, emphasizing the important role international partners and civil society organizations play in addressing security challenges in the DR Congo.
L’ambassadeur Young & contre-amiral Berg d@USAfricaCommandont eu 1e bonne discussion avc l CEMG, Général Mbala & l ministre délégué d défense Mutombo, sur l mise en œuvr d protocol d’accord d l professionnalisation militaire d’Oct. 2020 pr approfondir l coopération militaire (twitter.com/USEmbKinshasa)
“President Tshisekedi’s commitment to bringing change to the Congolese people has resulted in concrete progress in combating corruption and protecting human rights, which has been essential in facilitating this high level of military engagement,” Hammer said. “I’m pleased to welcome this delegation from U.S. Africa Command for discussions with Congolese leaders on how a stronger defense partnership can help the DRC achieve its true potential, for the benefit of the Congolese and American people.”
-U.S. Ambassador to the DR Congo Mike Hammer
The AFRICOM DR Congo visit followed U.S. Africa Command’s historic visit to Sudan Jan. 25-27. The trip to Sudan provided critical insight into areas of mutual interest with this new partner and identified concerns in the region.
While in Sudan, discussions focused on common areas of concern including countering terrorism, fielding professional militaries, military intelligence collaboration and cooperation, maritime domain awareness, border and maritime security, and the importance of accountability and transparency.
“The U.S. and Sudan are moving forward after 30 years of not moving together,” said AFRIOM Ambassador Young. “During this trip focused on supporting Sudan’s historic transition to democracy, we put into motion future engagements to help further their vision for a professional Sudanese military that is accountable to the Sudanese civilian-led government and its citizens.”
