Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson is the new leader of U.S. Africa Command.

By  Gary  Raynaldo   –  DIPLOMATIC TIMES

Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson is the new leader of U.S. Africa Command. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley formally transferred command to Anderson at a change of command ceremony last week at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. Langley took command in August 2022 when he was confirmed as a general, making history as the first Black four-star Marine general in 246 years. President Trump nominated Anderson to succeed Langley at the end of his term. During his tenure, Langley led efforts to strengthen AFRICOM’s  partner capacity, operational readiness, and enhance interoperability with African and allied forces. 

“I am not new to the challenges of Africa,” Anderson said during the change of command ceremony. “And I am incredibly familiar with the rising threats around the world that are vying for influence on the continent, seeking to destabilize and undo the world order that we enjoy [while undermining] the way of life that we all defend.”

Gen Michael E. Langley served as Commander of  United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) from August 2022 until August 2025.  (Wikipedia Commons)

In remarks during the ceremony, Langley emphasized African-led solutions. “We come up with solutions, African-led solutions. That’s what Africom is about. This is a bittersweet opportunity, giving up this great command, but I pass it on to a great man … Dag, this team will not disappoint. You will take them to the next level.”

Anderson is the seventh commander since AFRICOM was established in 2008.  He will command all U.S. military forces and operations in Africa from AFRICOM’s headquarters in Stuttgart.  AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands.

“The region covered by Africom has a rapidly growing economy and a young population that offers a democratic dividend,” Navy Adm. Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who presided over the ceremony, remarked. “Meanwhile, militarily, the theater is a nexus where global competitors test our resolve, where violent extremist organizations seek sanctuary and where instability ripples far beyond the continent. By working side by side with our African partners we learn from them and help them strengthen their own defenses.”