USAFRICOM Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader visit Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti

U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, along with Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, the command's senior enlisted leader, undertook a strategic visit to Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti from January 22-25. This visit was aimed at reinforcing relationships with regional civilian and military leaders.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Jan 25, 2024

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U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, the command’s senior enlisted leader, traveled to Nairobi, Kenya; Mogadishu, Somalia; and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Jan. 22-25 to meet with civilian and military leaders.

On Jan. 23, Langley and Woods met with Kenyan Minister of Defense Aden Duale and Chief of Defence Gen. Francis Ogola, as well as the Honorable Meg Whitman, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya. They conducted troop engagements and visited Manda Bay as well, before departing to Somalia.

“In my meetings with Minister Duale and General Ogolla, we reaffirmed our strong bilateral security relationship and discussed areas for future cooperation,” Langley said. “We have worked closely with Kenyan forces for many years, and I’m grateful for our strong partnership.”

In Mogadishu, Langley met with Somali President Hasan Sheikh Mohamud and Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Force Commander for the African Transition Mission in Somalia.

"I was grateful to be able to meet with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyadin to discuss our U.S.-Somali security cooperation efforts now and in the future," Langley said. "I also had a very good meeting with Amb. Mohammed Souef, African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, ATMIS Force Commander. U.S. Africa Command is committed to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia and helping to improve the country's security and stability.”

While in Somalia, Langley and Woods also conducted troop engagements and met with officials from the U.S. Embassy Mogadishu. They then traveled to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti to visit with embassy officials and conduct troop engagements.

The general and the sergeant major traveled back to Stuttgart Jan. 25.

U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands, and is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and crisis response on the African continent in support of U.S. interests and to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. 
 
The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command's 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration. 
 
For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.  

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USAFRICOM Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader visit Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti

USAFRICOM Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader visit Kenya

USAFRICOM Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader visit Kenya

USAFRICOM Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader visit Somalia

USAFRICOM Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader visit Somalia