Speaking during a digital press briefing hosted by the U.S. State Department’s Africa Regional Media Hub, AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin R.M. Anderson and the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Sergeant Major Garric M. Banfield, engaged journalists from across Africa and beyond on current security challenges and partnerships. The briefing, held on February 3, 2026, was the first of its kind for the year.
General Anderson, who has served as AFRICOM commander since August 2025, said he was pleased to return to working closely with African partners, noting his previous experience on the continent. He disclosed that he and Sergeant Major Banfield had recently concluded a visit to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti alongside U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
According to him, the visit provided an opportunity to deepen engagement with regional partners and discuss shared priorities, particularly where security efforts intersect with economic investment and development. In Ethiopia, Anderson attended the Black Lion Air Show marking the 90th anniversary of the Ethiopian Air Force, highlighting the long-standing cooperation between both countries. He recalled historical U.S. support that contributed to the establishment of Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national and continental development.
In Kenya, the AFRICOM commander accompanied the deputy secretary to Manda Bay for the groundbreaking of a new runway jointly funded by the United States and Kenya. He described the project as part of a broader security investment with economic implications, especially for Lamu County and its emerging economic corridor. The delegation also visited the African Union, where discussions focused on aligning security and economic priorities. Anderson said laying a wreath at the African Union memorial underscored the shared sacrifices made in pursuit of peace and stability.
Sergeant Major Banfield, who joined AFRICOM about two and a half months ago, said he was honoured to return to Africa, having previously served with Special Operations Command Africa. He explained that his current role involves engaging across the entire security architecture, including cooperation with enlisted leaders from partner nations. He highlighted ongoing exchanges with African counterparts, stressing that learning is mutual.
Addressing questions on rising security threats, General Anderson said terrorism remains a growing concern across the continent, with threats from ISIS and al-Qaeda expanding in multiple regions. He noted continued engagement with North African partners such as Morocco and Tunisia, where discussions have focused on developing centres of excellence to support counterterrorism training across Africa. He also referenced engagements in West Africa, particularly along the Gulf of Guinea, where maritime security and terrorism remain pressing issues.
On military exercises planned for 2026, Anderson outlined several multinational drills aimed at strengthening interoperability. These include African Lion in Morocco, expected in May, involving 19 African countries, six European nations, and partners from other regions. Other exercises include Cutlass Express in Mozambique, Justified Accord centred in Kenya with regional spokes, and Flintlock, the special operations exercise to be hubbed in Côte d’Ivoire with a spoke in Libya. Sergeant Major Banfield said Flintlock would bring together forces from Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific and South America, with a focus on counterterrorism and multinational coordination.
Responding to questions on counterterrorism cooperation, Anderson said recent discussions in East Africa focused on addressing threats from al-Shabaab, ISIS and emerging linkages involving the Houthis. He stressed that regional leaders agreed such threats must be tackled collectively. He also highlighted cooperation with Nigeria, describing it as a willing and capable partner. Engagements following the Aqaba Process meeting in Rome have led to increased collaboration, including the deployment of a small U.S. team to support Nigeria with specialised capabilities.
On AFRICOM’s achievements over the past six months, both leaders emphasised engagement and listening to partners as key accomplishments. Anderson said extensive travel across 11 countries had helped shape a clearer understanding of regional threats, opportunities and partner needs. He added that AFRICOM is working more closely with U.S. government agencies to better integrate economic, informational and military tools in support of African partners.
Addressing questions on Somalia, Anderson said U.S. airstrikes have been used to support Somali partners, particularly in operations against ISIS in Puntland. He noted that partner forces reported the strikes had enabled them to reclaim territory, sustain pressure on militants and limit the group’s freedom of movement. Beyond air operations, AFRICOM is also focusing on improving maritime domain awareness to counter terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing and piracy along Africa’s coastlines.
On West Africa, Anderson warned of increasing instability linked to ISIS, al-Qaeda and affiliated groups such as JNIM in the Sahel. He said these threats are expanding southwards and pose risks to coastal states. He reiterated the importance of international cooperation, citing Nigeria as an example of effective partnership built on shared intelligence and capabilities.
In his closing remarks, Sergeant Major Banfield reaffirmed AFRICOM’s readiness to work with willing partners, stressing that security underpins stability, investment and prosperity. General Anderson echoed these views, highlighting emerging opportunities where economic investment and security efforts align, including infrastructure and trade corridors. He said AFRICOM is exploring new ways to integrate these approaches in partnership with African nations.
The briefing concluded with appreciation from the Africa Regional Media Hub to participating journalists, with assurances that transcripts and recordings of the session would be shared.
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