ACE Commander Visits Togo

U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director, AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE), met with Minister of Security and Civil Protection Calixte Batossie Madjoulba and Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier General Dimini Allahare during his visit to Togo, Nov 15-19, 2024.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Nov 22, 2024

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U.S. Africa Command

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.

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Photo by: Lt.Cmdr. Bobby Dixon

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U.S. Africa Command

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U.S. Africa Command

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 supports AFRICOM's mission in West Africa by enhancing coordination, communication, and integration with various U.S. government agencies, host nations, and international partners.

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Photo by: Lt.Cmdr. Bobby Dixon

U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director, AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE), met with Minister of Security and Civil Protection Calixte Batossie Madjoulba and Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier General Dimini Allahare during his visit to Togo, Nov 15-19, 2024.

This visit to Togo underscores the strong U.S.-Togolese security partnership, focused on strengthening Togo’s military capabilities and enhancing regional security through capacity building and operational cooperation.

"The partnership between AFRICOM and the Togolese military is essential in promoting peace and security across the West African region,” said Maj. Gen. Ekman. “By strengthening this relationship, we not only enhance Togo's defense capabilities but also ensure a united and effective approach to addressing the complex security challenges we face together."

The visit to Togo emphasizes the growing importance of the relationship between AFRICOM and the Togolese military in ensuring regional security. As West Africa faces increasing threats from violent extremist organizations and transnational crime, strong partnerships with nations like Togo are crucial for fostering collective security and stability.

"Togo's strategic location in West Africa makes its military a key partner in regional security efforts,” said Maj. Gen. Ekman. “Our continued collaboration with the Togolese Armed Forces demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing stability, fighting extremism, and improving overall security in this important region."

AFRICOM’s support helps enhance the Togolese military’s operational capabilities, training, and readiness, enabling them to better address security challenges at both the national and regional levels. This collaboration also strengthens regional defense networks, allowing for more coordinated and effective responses to emerging threats.

The North Dakota National Guard has a long-standing partnership with Togo through the U.S. Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program (SPP). This collaboration strengthens military-to-military ties by facilitating joint training, sharing expertise, and providing support to enhance Togo’s defense capabilities. Through this partnership, North Dakota National Guard units work closely with their Togolese counterparts to improve operational readiness, foster regional security, and promote stability in West Africa, while also enhancing institutional ties between North Dakota and Togo.

The AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE) is part of 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. 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, and security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent to advance U.S. interests and 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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