A clearinghouse of the U.S. Africa Command's senior leader's updates on issues important at AFRICOM.
We encourage your comments and feedback.
Click here to see our public feedback
On 1/27/2009 5:17:36 PM General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command wrote
I just returned from Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros. These island nations are in the Indian Ocean, about as far away from the continental United States as you can get, but they are both nevertheless strategic in their location and as partners to our country.
On January 21, we spent the day understanding Madagascar's security considerations. We met with the U.S. country team for Madagascar and Comoros, (the Madagascar Embassy Team also supports Comoros) led by U.S. Ambassador R. Neils Marquardt. We then met separately with the Malagasy President, as well as the Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Defense Minister. These meetings gave us a better understanding of their security issues and priorities. For example, maritime safety and security is a critical aspect for Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world located in a strategic region of the world. We have a U.S. Navy ship scheduled to visit there this summer so that American sailors can work with the sailors of Madagascar to enhance maritime skills such as small boat operations and protecting territorial waters from illegal fishing.
I also spent some time with the Malagasy press explaining Africa Command's mission and our role. This is something I am asked about everywhere I go. It's important that they know the facts -- U.S. Africa Command is the Department of Defense's command dedicated to Africa. The United States has six regional headquarters to coordinate our military relationships with nearly all the nations of the globe. In U.S. Africa Command, we're focused on programs that contribute to the long-term stability of the African continent and its island nations.
The next day, January 22, we flew to Comoros, a country comprised of three islands situated between Madagascar and Mozambique. I was very honored to have had such a warm reception by the Comoran Defense Forces. Their military, which includes both male and female service members, put on an impressive display of their military skills -- from such disciplinary essentials as marching and drill maneuvers, to more complex displays of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat techniques. I am thankful and appreciative to General Chief of Staff for welcoming us so warmly.
As we did in Madagascar, we met senior Comoran government officials, including the Comoran Vice President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Defense.. Again, it was important to meet these leaders and understand their perspectives on security cooperation.
At a place called the American Corner (which is operated by the U.S. Embassy), the people of Comoros can go to learn English, read books and magazines, and learn more about American culture. We met with about 40 Comoran journalists, students and teachers in another press conference. I again explained Africa Command's mission and our role. What was especially important to me -- and a great way to end the trip -- was spending some quality time with a dozen Civil Affairs Soldiers and Sailors and U.S. Navy Seabees who were temporarily living and working on the island building a school. These great Americans from all over our country came together with one purpose in an effort requested by the Comorans and endorsed by the U.S. Country Team. That was building a six-room schoolhouse that is one of the best investments we can make in the nation of Comoros -- a school that will enhance the lives of their most precious resource, the Comoran children. I was proud of those young sailors who spend six months of their lives far, far away from home and loved ones to help improve the conditions for others around the world.
I learned a great deal during this very productive journey, and thank the Malagasy and Comorans for their great hospitality. I look forward to our continued partnerships together in bringing greater stability and security to the region.
On 4/10/2009 4:32:37 PM Ernest in Antananarivo wrote Madagascar is now not stabile. The President of Madagascar born in Imerinkasinina have been kicked away by devil forces, he already beg to pardon to the Malagasy People.
May be God bring Mr Ravalomanana back in Madagascar, and also alife, not like the colonialiste have doone before, by transporting Malagasy Leaders and people out from Madagascar, and bringing back their dead person back in their land. That was the best way to show, that the colonialist have the power of life and death on the country and the people they are colonialising.
I think at our time of the second coming of Jesus soon, and also the coming of Easter, The Glory is to God only.
We Malagasy we pray that the President Ravalomanana comes back in his country where God puts him to realise God's Plan ,not evil plan. Of course there is God's test, but if God put our birth place somewhere ,perhaps we had also to die at this place .
Thank you for your attention.May God bless you. And happy Easter for all, and mostly for the born again.
PA mission to Ethiopia 1/8/2011 · By Airman 1st Class Jevon Smith
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa strategic communication combat camera videographer
VETCAP in Negele 1/8/2011 · Captain David Creech
402nd Civil Affairs Battalion functional specialty team veterinarian
Visiting Our Teams over the Holidays 1/4/2011 · Rear Admiral Brian Losey, commander, and Captain John Dixon, chief of staff, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa
From LTC David Knellinger on 9/10/2012 2:02:03 PM "The Central Africa Region Environmental Security Symposium, hosted by the United States Africa Command Environmental Security Program and the United Nations Environmental Programme..." (Read Full Entry)
From Brigadier General Stayce Harris on 7/19/2012 8:54:32 AM "The following blog is by Brigadier General Stayce Harris, U.S. Africa Command's mobilization reserve assistant to the commander.
Over the past 2 years, I have had the..." (Read Full Entry)
Hamza in Gabes, Tunisia wrote on 10/2/2012 11:09:13 AM "I LOVE US ARMY I DREAM TO BE SOME ONE FROM MARINS ITS JUST DREAM..." (Read Full Entry)
Pamela in Virginia wrote on 10/2/2012 10:28:15 AM "This command much needed not only to ustain African governments ,but to also be an aide to our United States stability and protection. Many hostile in that area ,especially on East..." (Read Full Entry)
Herman in Pretoria wrote on 9/23/2012 5:46:33 PM "Awesome aircraft, thank you for the display! It is most appreciated...." (Read Full Entry)
Paul in UK wrote on 8/22/2012 9:16:10 AM "I was also involved in the communications training at Kisangani and share Michel Beya's comments I'm sure we met. What I saw was a very well trained battalion and hope that..." (Read Full Entry)
Mark in Fort Leavenworth wrote on 8/21/2012 10:25:29 PM "False allegations against Commander USAFRICOM appear to be in fashion. It is shameful that someone felt the need to assassinate the character of the previous commander — one ..." (Read Full Entry)