Washington, D.C.: In a digital press briefing hosted by the U.S. Department of State's Africa Regional Media Hub, U.S. Africa Command's Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, and Ambassador Robert Scott elaborated on their recent efforts to advance U.S.-Africa security cooperation, focusing on their engagements in Angola and Namibia.
According to EMM, the briefing underscored the U.S. Africa Command's ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships across the continent. The engagements are aimed at promoting stability and collective defense through African-led solutions that reduce the necessity for direct U.S. military involvement. Lt. Gen. Brennan and Ambassador Scott highlighted the connection between security and economic development, noting specific projects like Angola's Lobito Corridor and Namibia's Walvis Bay, which are pivotal for regional trade and economic prosperity.
The briefing addressed several questions from journalists, with Lt. Gen. Brennan emphasizing the importance of African-led, partner-led, and ally-enabled training exercises, which distinguish U.S. efforts from those of other foreign entities operating on the continent. Ambassador Scott cited the Lobito Corridor as a successful example of security supporting economic development, detailing advancements such as the reduction in transport time for goods from the DRC to Angola.
Additionally, the discussion included insights into the U.S. strategy of non-direct military intervention, focusing instead on building the capacity of African partners to manage their own security challenges. This approach is crucial in light of the diminishing presence of Western military forces in Africa. The leaders also outlined their strategy for expanding military and defense cooperation in Southern Africa, recognizing its significance to regional and global security.
Lt. Gen. Brennan and Ambassador Scott reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to supporting African nations in counterterrorism efforts, specifically in regions like Somalia, where U.S. efforts focus on training local forces like the Danab special units. The briefing concluded with an emphasis on the broader economic and security benefits that come from U.S. partnerships and investments in African nations, reinforcing the interconnectedness of security and economic growth.
The U.S. Africa Command continues to engage with African countries to foster mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to long-term peace and security on the continent.