Top American military commanders have met with key military leaders and partners in the Republic of Chad where they discussed collaborative efforts in promoting peace, security, and stability across the Sahel.
Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, and the command’s Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, were in the country on January 9-10, 2024, where they met with the Chadian Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces, General Abakar Abdelkerim Daoud, and other military leaders.
A press release by the Africa Command’s Public Affairs unit disclosed that the discussions focused on regional security challenges and Chadian efforts to counter violent extremism in the Sahel.
In his speech, Langley said: “U.S. Africa Command remains dedicated to building enduring partnerships with Chad and other African nations in the Sahel to address mutual security concerns and to help promote a peaceful and prosperous future in the region.”
He also viewed the Chadian Air Force’s two C-208B light reconnaissance aircraft and took the opportunity to speak with pilots, maintainers, and operators.
The aircraft were formally handed over by the United States in 2018.
Chadian forces use the aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions to counter violent extremist organisations in the Lake Chad Basin.
Langley met with Chad’s first two female military pilots, Lt. Ahmat and Lt. Djiddi from the Chadian Air Force, who were certified to fly the C-208s in the United States in 2022.
Langley also met with U.S. military personnel stationed at the American Embassy in N’Djamena, the capital, recognising members for their accomplishments.
In a speech, the Defence Attaché in the American embassy in Chad, U.S. Army Colonel Mark Choate, said: “It was an honour to have General Langley with us, to see the progress Chad has made since his last visit here.
“On the military front, Chad has enacted important reforms, embracing civilian governance with a civilian minister of defence and maintaining its international commitments in a time of turmoil.”
The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command’s 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defence collaboration.
Instability in the Sahel threatens U.S. interests, making collaboration essential for intelligence sharing and capacity building.
Additionally, U.S. engagement aids regional stability, essential for economic growth and humanitarian efforts.
By fostering partnerships, the United States hopes to counter terrorism and promote collective security efforts in the Sahel.
The Sahel region in Africa holds immense security importance due to its challenges. Extremist groups exploit weak governance and environmental stressors, causing instability.
This insecurity not only affects the Sahel but also poses a global threat by fostering terrorism and exacerbating humanitarian crises.
The U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defence geographic combatant commands.
The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.
