U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, alongside AFRICOM’s U.S. Agency for International Development Senior Development Advisor, Maura Barry Boyle; USMC Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader; and senior support staff traveled to the continent of Africa’s eastern region Nov. 21-28 to meet with various military, civil, and government partners in Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.

This visit focused on engaging strategic and interagency partners, and civil society organizations about topics geared toward addressing challenges, opportunities and threats that impact regional stability.

Security threats vary from country to country, however many coastal countries across Africa face similar challenges – notably maritime security and the growing threat of violent extremist organizations. AFRICOM’s approach to countering these transnational issues starts with identifying shared values and understanding its partners’ desires. This approach, rooted in the command’s strategic posture of ensuring strategic plans remain African-led and U.S.-enabled, creates opportunities for dynamic problem solving.

“Our African partners have specific desires for the vision at which they see our enduring partnership evolving,” said Langley. “As we continue to discuss shared challenges and values, our ultimate goal, collectively, remains the same – partner together to promote regional security, stability and prosperity.”

In meetings with Djibouti Armed Forces’ Minister of Defence, Hon. Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, and the Djibouti Armed Forces’ Chief of Defence, Gen. Zakaria Cheikh Ibrahim, Langley and Djibouti’s senior military leaders discussed current atmospherics in regional security. The leaders furthered discussions on shared security interests, especially as it pertains to maritime security, which also resonated in discussions with the U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, Ambassador Cynthia Kierscht, and the Commander of Djibouti’s Coast Guard, Col. Wais Omar Bogoreh.

During a meeting with Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the acting Minister of Defence of Somalia, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and current Chief of Somali National Armed Forces, Gen. Odawa Yusuf, Langley alongside the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley IV, conversed about the impacts and potential challenges Somali states could experience as a result of the transition from ATMIS.

In Kenya, AFRICOM’s commitment to enabling partner effectiveness and bilateral efforts on counterterrorism operations continued. In meetings with Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, Minister of Defence, Soipan Tuya, Chief of Defence, Gen. Charles Kahariri, and Chargé d’Affaires, Marc Dillard, the partners shared their concerns about regional security and emphasized the importance of partnership to promote peace and security in the region.

During the trip, Langley and his team also had opportunities to see how Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), a local development organization, USAID, and U.S. Embassy outreach efforts work to foster solutions that help build promise for people emerging from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance.

While in Kenya, SHOFCO gave AFRICOM direct access to see how its community-led model for transformation is providing health care, sustainable livelihood programs, essential services, clean water, and building female leadership in impoverished communities to create lasting change.

In Djibouti, Langley and Woods participated in a discussion with local Djiboutians who are part of U.S. Embassy Djibouti’s English language-learning program. During this discussion students provided insight on the impact learning English and understanding the culture has in improving their quality of life through employment opportunities and cultural awareness. U.S.-funded programs like this support educational and economic growth and cross-cultural exchange.

“Combating threats that drive instability starts with 3D,” said Langley. “As a 3D organization when enabling our African partners in a unified effort to promote regional security and prosperity, it requires a whole of government effort – Development, Diplomacy, and Defense.”

Before each country visit concluded, Langley and his team ensured time was yielded to the many men and women who serve as the command’s executionary arm in providing support in the region.

Troop engagements provide an opportunity for deployed personnel to hear firsthand from AFRICOM’s senior leaders on the strategic value they bring to the greater mission. During this time personnel who have performed above and beyond their basic call of duty are also recognized.

“Each of you play a pivotal role in ensuring the security and safety of our U.S. and partner interests,” said Woods. “Whether you’re securing and defending the personnel that work in the Embassy, performing your primary duties in these austere environments, or are charged with building partnerships through our development efforts, you matter. I cannot thank you enough for what you do and for your relentless service, especially during the holiday times. While you’re away from your families during this season I know some days get tough but know that you’re not alone. Lean on one another, don’t silence your voice, and stay connected.”

Since the command’s trip coincided with a U.S. holiday – Thanksgiving – Langley and Woods, alongside other military leaders, shifted their normal roles to serve servicemembers who were away from family over the holiday season by serving a Thanksgiving meal at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti.

U.S. Africa Command, one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, is responsible for employing broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approaches to foster partnership efforts to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. U.S. AFRICOM’s area of responsibility consists of 53 African states, more than 800 ethnic groups, over 1,000 languages, vast natural resources, a land mass that is three-and-a-half times the size of the U.S., and nearly 19,000 miles of coastland. Working alongside its partners, AFRICOM counters transnational threats and malign actors, strengthens security forces and responds to crises.