ByBRUHAN MAKONG
Sunday September 24, 2023
Austin will visit Kenya, Djibouti and Angola from September 23-28, marking a significant engagement with African partners/FILE
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has departed for a week-long tour of Africa.
Austin will visit Kenya, Djibouti and Angola from September 23-28, marking a significant engagement with African partners.
Secretary Austin’s press office shared footage of him departing from the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Saturday.He noted that the trip underscores United States’ commitment to bolstering diplomatic ties and enhancing regional security on the African continent.
“Wheels up at Joint Base Andrews en route to Africa to visit Djibouti, Kenya, and Angola to reaffirm our enduring commitment to the region, discuss African-led solutions to mutual security challenges, and underscore the importance of our partnerships on the continent,” Austin said Saturday.
In Nairobi, Secretary Austin is scheduled to engage in discussions with Kenyan defense officials, with a primary focus on shared security interests and collaborative efforts in counter-terrorism, an earlier statement from Department of Defense indicated.
The visit aims to strengthen the partnership between the US and Kenya in addressing regional security challenges.
While in Djibouti, Austin will meet with senior Djiboutian officials to deliberate on the existing military cooperation between the two nations.
The discussions will encompass regional security dynamics and the exploration of opportunities for deeper collaboration in the future.
The leg of the journey taking place in Luanda, Angola, will prioritize the development of stronger defense relations and the identification of avenues for increased military-to-military cooperation between the United States and Angola.
Secretary Austin’s itinerary also includes visits to U.S. military personnel stationed in Djibouti and Kenya.
The DoD said the interactions will serve as a testament to the Department’s appreciation for the dedication and service of these personnel in promoting peace and security within the region.
