Washington: A digital press briefing hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub brought together key leaders from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to discuss the strategic importance of recent engagements in Angola and Namibia. The briefing featured insights from AFRICOM’s Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, and Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement.
According to EMM, the briefing underscored AFRICOM’s commitment to fostering stability in Africa through cost-effective, African-led solutions. Lt. Gen. Brennan and Ambassador Scott emphasized the importance of minimizing direct U.S. military involvement while strengthening partnerships to promote collective defense. In their remarks, they highlighted the interconnected nature of security, prosperity, and economic development, particularly in the maritime and trade sectors in Namibia’s Walvis Bay and Angola’s Lobito Corridor.
During the briefing, Lt. Gen. Brennan detailed AFRICOM’s approach to empowering local military and civil institutions, noting that all training and exercises are African-led and partner-enabled. This approach contrasts with other international actors and underscores AFRICOM’s focus on strategic relationships and exercises like Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCETs) and larger multinational exercises such as African Lion and Obangame Express.
Ambassador Scott elaborated on the economic impact of these security initiatives, citing the Lobito Corridor’s role in enhancing trade efficiency and the importance of maritime domain awareness initiatives like SeaVision. He highlighted how these efforts are designed to ensure secure coastlines and bolster regional economic development.
The briefing also addressed broader regional strategies, with Lt. Gen. Brennan noting AFRICOM’s efforts to expand military-to-military cooperation across Southern Africa. He highlighted the State Partnership Program’s role in fostering long-term relationships and the potential for increased U.S. investments in African countries as security and stability improve.
In response to questions about countering misinformation and regional security threats, Lt. Gen. Brennan stressed the importance of truth-based narratives and collaboration with allies to refute false information. He also reiterated AFRICOM’s focus on preventing the spread of extremist groups and illicit activities in Southern Africa.
The discussion concluded with an emphasis on the holistic approach to U.S.-Africa cooperation, integrating security, economic development, and private sector engagement to create a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent. The briefing highlighted ongoing efforts in Somalia as a critical component of AFRICOM’s mission to counter terrorism and support regional security.
In closing, the briefing reaffirmed AFRICOM’s dedication to fostering partnerships that empower African nations to address their security challenges independently, while maintaining strong U.S. support through strategic cooperation and capacity building initiatives.