U.S. Defence Chief Wraps Up Djibouti, Kenya, Angola Visit

U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin wrapped up his Africa tour on September 27, his first visit to the continent as Pentagon chief.

His visit underscores the U.S. Department of Defense's commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing regional security on the African continent, the department said.

Austin visited Djibouti on September 24 and had discussions with President Ismail Guelleh and Minister of Defense Hassan Bourhan. He thanked them for their support to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia in the fight against violent extremist organizations in the region. Before departing for Kenya, Austin thanked U.S. troops at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, highlighting what he called their "very impressive" role in evacuating U.S. diplomats from Sudan in April, 2023 when the country descended into a conflict between Sudanese military forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Austin while in Kenya on September 25, signed a five-year Defense Cooperation Agreement with Kenya's Defence Secretary Aden Duale, following President William Ruto's agreement to send armed forces to Haiti as part of a UN mission there.

Austin visited Angola on September 27 and in his address, Austin said: "Over the past few years, America's relationship with Angola has taken huge strides, and Angola has become a highly-valued and highly-capable partner for the United States and a rising leader in the region and beyond. So we're deepening our cooperation with your government on military modernization and training and maritime security and medical readiness. And we're committed to working together even more closely on peacekeeping, climate, intelligence, space cooperation and more".