Washington D.C.: The U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub recently hosted a digital press briefing, bringing together U.S. Africa Command’s Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, and the Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Robert Scott. The briefing focused on advancing U.S.-Africa security cooperation, particularly highlighting recent engagements in Angola and Namibia.
According to EMM, the briefing underscored AFRICOM’s commitment to fostering partnerships in Africa aimed at bolstering stability and collective defense through cost-effective, African-led solutions. Lt. Gen. Brennan and Ambassador Scott emphasized the importance of minimizing direct U.S. military involvement while supporting African military and civil institutions with decision-making authority beyond mere training or equipment support.
Ambassador Scott highlighted the relationship between security and economic development, particularly regarding maritime and trade issues. He noted Namibia’s efforts to transform Walvis Bay into a regional hub for transshipment and the development of the Lobito Corridor in Angola, which the U.S. is assisting. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to integrate security with economic growth, promoting regional stability and prosperity.
Lt. Gen. Brennan elaborated on AFRICOM’s approach, emphasizing African-led and partner-led training and exercises. He contrasted this with other international actors’ methods, noting the strategic impact of small-footprint Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) programs that foster important relationships across the continent. Initiatives like African Lion and Obangame Express were cited as key exercises that AFRICOM hopes to expand, including full participation from Angola and Namibia.
Ambassador Scott pointed to the Lobito Corridor as a prime example of security leveraging economic development. He shared that infrastructure improvements have significantly reduced transportation times for goods in Angola, enhancing trade efficiency and security. The U.S. is actively working with the Angolan government to improve maritime domain awareness through technologies like SeaVision, which aids in monitoring and securing the coastline.
The briefing also addressed the broader U.S. strategy in Southern Africa, including the expansion of the State Partnership Program, which fosters military-to-military and civil engagement. This program is seen as pivotal for strengthening ties with countries like Angola and Namibia, ensuring that U.S. investments in the region have a lasting impact beyond military operations.
In response to questions about Western military presence and engagement in Africa, Lt. Gen. Brennan emphasized the importance of building local capacities to handle security challenges independently. This approach aligns with AFRICOM’s broader strategy of supporting African-led solutions while ensuring regional security through training and strategic partnerships.
Finally, the session concluded with an acknowledgment of the growing cooperation between U.S. agencies and African countries, driven by a shared goal of enhancing security and economic opportunities on the continent. The U.S. remains committed to supporting African nations in addressing challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, with a focus on sustainable and cooperative solutions.