Deputy Assistant Secretary Amanda Dory and Gen. David Rodriguez, former commander, U.S. Africa Command, briefed reporters on U.S. strategy and operations in Africa including challenges, population growth, and crime and violence in some parts of the region. Rodriguez talked about the U.S. efforts to train troops and to provide support and peacekeeping for the Libyan government and in Central African Republic. He also answered questions on U.S. support to Mali, the influence of extremist groups, and cooperation with European partners.