Djibouti – US Army General Stephen Townsend, Commander, US Africa Commander, and US Ambassador to Djibouti Larry E. André met with Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on 26 November.
During the visit, the leaders discussed security in Djibouti, the region and their commitment to working together on the mutual goals of regional stability, security and prosperity. The visit highlighted the strong partnership and ways in which Djibouti and the United States continue to work together to ensure security in the region.
“Djibouti is a critical security partner providing vital support to our activities across East Africa and the African Union mission in Somalia. Djibouti has shown that he is committed to regional security and we are proud to work with them,” he said. said Townsend.
The leaders stressed the importance of the long-standing security partnership between America and Djibouti. Djibouti provides vital support for US military activities in the Horn of Africa, East Africa, the West Indies and beyond.
The joint task force of the American Africa Command, Horn of Africa, is headquartered in Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. It represents the largest lasting U.S. military presence in Africa. CJTF-HOA’s mission is to promote the capacity of partners, promote local security and stability, discourage conflict and protect US interests.
“Global competitors understand the importance of Africa for their strategic interests. What we do in East Africa is important to American national security, and it is important that our forces understand the positive impact they have,” he said. Townsend said.
The US supports the development of Djibouti’s army, including the Djibouti’s Rapid Intervention Battalion, a fast response infantry force trained and equipped by the US.
Djibouti forces regularly participate in US training sessions in the African Commando to include Justified Accord and the Cutlass Express exercises, where an exchange of ideas, mutual learning and interoperability across domains between the US, Africa and international countries takes place.
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