Military Africa
  • Magazines
  • Advertise
  • Press Release
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Magazines
  • Advertise
  • Press Release
No Result
View All Result
  • Magazines
  • Advertise
  • Press Release
No Result
View All Result
Military Africa
No Result
View All Result
Home Security

AFRICOM, French military discuss partnership, global power competition in Africa

Kazim Abdul by Kazim Abdul
September 22, 2020
in Security
Reading Time: 2 mins read
ADVERTISEMENT
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

US military Africa Command leaders and the French Chief of the Defence Staff, General Francois Lecointre, and other French senior officials are discussing continued US-French cooperation in Africa.

“France is the United States’ oldest ally, and a leader in the counterterrorism fight in Africa,” said US Army General Stephen Townsend, US Africa Command commander. “We share common threats, mutual concerns, and a commitment to fighting violent extremist organisations.”

The military top leaders are discussing the US and French postures and priorities on the continent, as well as possibilities for Franco-American cooperation beyond the current partnership to fight violent extremist organizations in West Africa.

You Might Also Like

India, Egypt looks to deepen military co-operation

“Act of War” Rwanda attacks DRC’s SU-25 aircraft as threat of invasion looms

French forces asked to leave Burkina Faso amid closer ties with Russia

“What’s going on in West Africa affects Africa, it affects Europe, and it affects America,” said Townsend. “Continued French leadership and increased support from their European neighbours is key to helping the Africans change the trajectory and prevent the spread of violence in West Africa.”

The US delegation expressed condolences on recent French losses in the Sahel, to include recent deaths of French soldiers from Operation Barkhane.

The leaders also discussed global power competition in Africa and the growing activity of China and Russia on the continent.

With the recent surprising Russian deployment of at least 14 advanced MiG-29 and Su-24 combat aircraft to wartorn Libya in support of Khalifa Haftar, the United States is considering doing same.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Russia is clearly trying to tip the scales in its favor in Libya. Just like I saw them doing in Syria, they are expanding their military footprint in Africa using government-supported mercenary groups like Wagner,” said Townsend

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), is in talks with neighboring Tunisia to bolster ties between the two nations and counter Russia’s moves in the region.

“We know many of our African partners are under siege from malign actors and terrorist networks,” the AFRICOM Commander said

Brig. Gen. Gregory Hadfield, deputy director for intelligence said, “If Russia secures a permanent position in Libya and, worse, deploys long-range missile systems, it will be a game-changer for Europe, NATO and many Western nations.”

Recommended posts

Tags: AFRICOMOperation Barkhane

Join 154,765 others in receiving our trusted defence news

Unsubscribe

Related News

french troops leave burkina faso

French forces asked to leave Burkina Faso amid closer ties with Russia

January 24, 2023
US determined to stop China’s new base in Africa

US determined to stop China’s new base in Africa

August 22, 2022 - Updated on August 31, 2022
Gen. Michael Langley becomes sixth Africom commander

Gen. Michael Langley becomes sixth Africom commander

August 10, 2022
General Dynamics to Support USAF Cyber Network in Europe, Africa

General Dynamics to Support USAF Cyber Network in Europe, Africa

July 23, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

Facebook

ADVERTISEMENT
No Result
View All Result
  • Magazines
  • Advertise
  • Press Release

© 2022 Military Africa