U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director, AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE), met with Brigadier General (O8) Dimini Allahare, Togolese Chief of Defense Staff, and the senior leadership of the Togolese Armed Forces to include the Chief of Staffs for the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Gendarmerie at the Etat Major in Lomé, Togo, on November 19. This high-level engagement underscored the enduring partnership between the United States and Togo in strengthening regional security and cooperation. The AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE) is part of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), a unified combatant command responsible for U.S. military activities across the African continent. The ACE is supports AFRICOM's mission in West Africa by enhancing coordination, communication, and integration with various U.S. government agencies, host nations, and international partners.

U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director, AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE), visited Parakou Base, Benin, and listened in on a training session with Forces des Armées Beninoises on border security and deployment in support of Operation Mirador. The AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE) is part of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), a unified combatant command responsible for U.S. military activities across the African continent. The ACE is responsible for supporting AFRICOM's mission in West Africa by enhancing coordination, communication, and integration with various U.S. government agencies, host nations, and international partners.

U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director, AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE), takes a group photo with U.S. Africa Command personnel, members of the U.S. Embassy Cotonou Office of Security Cooperation, Team Benin CFT, and 2nd BN leadership in Benin after they received briefs about Operation Mirador and Forces des Armées Beninoises border security training. The AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE) is part of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), a unified combatant command responsible for U.S. military activities across the African continent. The ACE is responsible for supporting AFRICOM's mission in West Africa by enhancing coordination, communication, and integration with various U.S. government agencies, host nations, and international partners.

Ambassador Howard A. Van Vranken, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, attend a brief about The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Gaborone, Botswana, June 27, 2024.  The PEPFAR and USAID through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supports the Advancing Partners and Communities Project in Botswana (APC Botswana). The project's core funding covers grants management and capacity building for community-based family planning activities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

The commander of U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley speaks to a group of U.S. Marines during a troop engagement, Nov. 4, 2024 in Libreville, Gabon. As a Marine Corps Embassy Security Guard, the Marines are responsible for being trained and fully equipped to serve at designated U.S. diplomatic missions in support of the Department of State in the protection of personnel, classified material, and U.S. property. (U.S. State Department photo by Joshua Root)

The commander of U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley speaks to a group of U.S. troops and State Department personnel on the importance their role plays in supporting the command’s charge of uniting with African partners to promote regional security, stability and prosperity, Nov. 6, 2024 in Monrovia, Liberia. From Nov. 4-10, 2024, Gen. Langley expanded his campaign of learning footprint to three western region countries on the continent of Africa – Gabon, Liberia, and Nigeria. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Air Force Maj. Mahalia Frost)

A group of neonatal nurses with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) show U.S. Marine Corps Gen. and commander of U.S. Africa Command Michael Langley the medical care provided to babies in the pediatric unit at a local clinic in Abuja, Nigeria, Nov. 9, 2024. When facing complex challenges whether it’s from combatting violent extremist organizations or other factors that yield instability, Nigeria’s strategic efforts to tackle its known insecurities, extend beyond its military. The Nigerian Armed Force’s commitment to addressing health issues can be seen in their collaboration both on medical care initiatives with U.S. Agency for International Development and through the public health partnership between the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and U.S. Department of Defense’s Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, which resulted in the establishment of Nigeria’s Defence Reference Laboratory, an internationally accredited facility. (U.S. Department of State photo by Benevolent Okpogor)

Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Researchers at Nigeria’s Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja, Nigeria, present information of the ministry’s efforts to combat global health insecurity to leaders of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and U.S. Africa Command during a tour in Abuja, Nigeria, Nov. 9, 2024. Commissioned in 2012, through the public health partnership between the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and U.S. Department of Defense’s Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, Nigeria’s Defence Reference Laboratory, an internationally accredited facility, was established. “What I saw here today is a true example of health diplomacy and also strategic ways of focusing on building enduring security relations, especially when dealing with threats of infectious disease,” Langley stated. (U.S. Department of State photo by Benevolent Okpogor)

Researchers at Nigeria’s Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja, Nigeria, alongside leaders of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, give U.S. Marine Corps Gen. and commander of U.S. Africa Command Michael Langley a tour of the tuberculous research facility Nov. 9, 2024. Commissioned in 2012, through the public health partnership between the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and U.S. Department of Defense’s Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, Nigeria’s Defence Reference Laboratory, an internationally accredited facility, was established. “What I saw here today is a true example of health diplomacy and also strategic ways of focusing on building enduring security relations, especially when dealing with threats of infectious disease,” Langley stated. (U.S. Department of State photo by Benevolent Okpogor)

The commander of U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley signs Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa’s visitor book following their meeting at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, Nov. 8, 2024. Alongside the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills, Jr., and some AFRICOM staff, Langley’s conversation focused on advancing shared security interests, global health security, development, and resource challenges. (U.S. Department of Defense courtesy photo by Nigerian Armed Forces)

The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.

The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.

The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.

The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, participates in an open Q&A following a presentation to U.S., and international, and interagency partners on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2024. During his presentation Langley shared how, “advancing relationships with our African partners is an effort that requires unification from a three-dimensional approach.” Therefore, each student’s participation in their “respective program is a testament of how two dimensions of this dynamic approach – Diplomacy and Defense – marry together to strengthen our defense institutions through shared values.” Langley’s visit furthered the command’s desire to deepen its partnerships and defense relations by empowering today’s leaders. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joaquin Dela Torre)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, gives a presentation to U.S. and international partners attending programs at Marine Corps University on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2024. Students met with Langley to garner his insight on how they can leverage their current training to assist in strengthening relationships with African partners while supporting efforts to build partner nation capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joaquin Dela Torre

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, left, poses for a photo with U.S. and international service members with the International Military Education and Training program on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2024. Langley’s visit furthered the command’s desire to deepen its partnerships and defense relations by empowering today’s leaders. “I cannot emphasize enough the value that’s placed on the partnerships we maintain, nurture and cultivate across the continent,” said Langley. “Having our African partners at the center and forefront of what we do solidifies our partnership and efforts to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity in Africa.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joaquin Dela Torre)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, right, speaks with students attending programs at Marine Corps University on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2024. Langley’s visit furthered the command’s desire to deepen its partnerships and defense relations by empowering today’s leaders. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joaquin Dela Torre)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command, right, speaks with an international service member from the continent of Africa who is a part of the International Military Education and Training program on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2024. Started nearly fifty years ago, the IMET program is an instrument of U.S. national security and foreign policy that has a purpose of promoting more professional militaries and defense cooperation between the U.S. and foreign countries through training. Langley’s visit furthered the command’s desire to deepen its partnerships and defense relations by empowering today’s leaders. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joaquin Dela Torre)

WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Gen. Michael E. Langley, U.S. Marine Corps, commander of U.S. Africa Command, host a dinner on the Ceremonial Barge Chesapeake with African Ambassadors to the U.S., in Washington, Sept. 24, to discuss U.S.-Africa partnerships and shared commitment to fostering security, stability, and prosperity throughout the continent. This meeting, consisting of African maritime nations, provided insight on affirmed relations, current challenges as well as opportunities for advancements. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jared Mancuso)

WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2024) – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Gen. Michael E. Langley, U.S. Marine Corps, commander of U.S. Africa Command, host a dinner on the Ceremonial Barge Chesapeake with African Ambassadors to the U.S., in Washington, Sept. 24, to discuss U.S.-Africa partnerships and shared commitment to fostering security, stability, and prosperity throughout the continent. This meeting, consisting of African maritime nations, provided insight on affirmed relations, current challenges as well as opportunities for advancements. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jared Mancuso)

The Michigan National Guard and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces come together to mark the beginning of their partnership under the State Partnership Program in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Sept. 12, 2024. This SPP signing ceremony represents a new chapter of mutual support, training, and cooperation. The National Guard SPP conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals but also leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements spanning military, government, economic and social spheres.

U.S. Marines assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, talk to Maureen E. Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, third from left, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell visited Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield to observe defensive and security protocols. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Army Capt. Trudy Bonner, battery commander assigned to Chabelley Airfield, second from left, talks to Maureen E. Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, fourth from left, at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell visited Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield to observe defensive and security protocols. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents coins to service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Army Capt. Trudy Bonner, battery commander assigned to Chabelley Airfield, left, talks to Maureen E. Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, third from left, at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell visited Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield to observe defensive and security protocols. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents coins to service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

Maureen Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, and Rear Adm. Justin A. Kubu, deputy commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, pose for a photo in the CJTF-HOA lobby at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell's visit focused on engaging with deployed troops and observing operations aimed at theater security cooperation and humanitarian objectives throughout East Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents coins to service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

The Honorable Richard H. Riley, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia greets, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, Commander of United States Africa Command before engagements with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia in Mogadishu, Somalia, Sep. 09, 2024. The visit builds on the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Somalia in the fight against Al-shabab. U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kyle Brasier)