U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall visited U.S. personnel and operational facilities in Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Niger, Oct. 25-29, 2021. (Credit: AFRICOM.mil)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
PENTAGON – WASHINGTON – Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall visited American personnel and operational facilities in Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Niger last week. According to AFRICOM, the stated purpose of the five-day visit was to understand U.S. power projection capabilities in West Africa, and to get a first-hand perspective of “the complex security environment” in Africa. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Chris Maier, also participated in the visit. While in Niamey, the delegation met with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and discussed ways to further counter terrorist groups in the Sahel.
Pentagon Says No Change In Troop Personnel In U.S. Posture in Africa
In September, the Pentagon said the U.S. military will continue to be a strong partner with France in its counter-terrorism operations in the troubled African Sahel region. The Pentagon’s spokesperson declined to provide specific details regarding U.S. troops deployed in joint military operations in with France at the time. This week, the Pentagon said there are no troop announcements or changes in personnel regarding U.S. posture in Africa amid General Townsend’s visit to the Sahel and East Africa.
“I have no troop announcements or personnel changes to make with respect to our posture in Africa. As you can probably tell from the agenda of that trip, there is a lot to talk about. There a lot of partners doing a lot of critical work in — in the counterterrorism realm. And General Townsend remains laser-focused on that. But I have no troop announcements to make.”
-Pentagon Press Secretary Kirby said at press briefing Nov. 3, 2021
(Photo by Gary Raynaldo / ©Diplomatic Times) Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby briefs reporters at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
U.S. Delegation meets with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum
U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall visited U.S. personnel and operational facilities in Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Niger, Oct. 25-29, 2021. (Credit: AFRICOM.mil)
In Niger, Townsend led the delegation to air bases in Agadez and Niamey to meet with American forces who work with Nigerien partners to monitor and disrupt security threats, support hostage recovery efforts, and project power in West Africa.
While in Niamey, the delegation met with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and discussed ways to further counter terrorist groups in the Sahel, according to AFRICOM. The party also met with U.S. Embassy officials and with French Ambassador to Niger Alexandre Garcia and Barkhane Force Commander Maj. Gen. Laurent Michon to improve U.S.-French counterterrorism cooperation in the region.
“This trip was a great opportunity to show how our troops across the continent protect the homeland and support our partners to strengthen stability in Africa. Dr. Sherwood-Randall and I also had a productive meeting with Nigerien President Bazoum, where we discussed our shared efforts to increase security in the Sahel.”
– Army Gen. Townsend
U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, addresses American service members at Airbase 201 near Agadez, Niger Oct. 28, 2021.
CHINA, RUSSIA, TURKEY Projecting Power in AFRICA
China and Russia have been known to be increasing its influence in Africa. But, now, Turkey is becoming a major player in Africa. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tour of Angola, Togo and Nigeria last month raised eyebrows.
“Over the past two decades, Ankara has gradually but noticeably increased its influence in Africa, increasing its diplomatic presence from 12 embassies in 2003 to 42 this year. This was accompanied by a rise in the volume of Turkey’s direct investment in countries across the continent from $100 million to about $6.5 billion, while the volume of trade has increased more than fivefold. Furthermore, Turkish Airlines now flies to 51 African cities. Of all national leaders, President Erdogan has probably visited more African countries than anyone else, with 46 visits to 30 African states.” – middleastmonitor.com.
