Kenya’s Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and the Commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM) General Michael Langley have reaffirmed their nations’ deep military ties, sealing an expanded security pact during high-level talks in Stuttgart, Germany, on Thursday, August 14.
The meeting, held at AFRICOM Headquarters, underscored the enduring strategic partnership between Nairobi and Washington in advancing peace, stability, and counterterrorism efforts across Africa.
General Langley commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their steadfast commitment to peace support operations, particularly in Somalia, where Kenyan troops have played a decisive role under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). He praised KDF’s influence in shaping regional security outcomes across the Horn of Africa and safeguarding vital maritime domains.
“Kenya remains a critical strategic partner to the United States. Your sacrifices and leadership in regional security are both recognised and deeply valued,” Langley noted.
General Kahariri, in turn, thanked the US government for its consistent support but voiced concerns over the ongoing drawdown of AUSSOM troops, warning it could erode years of hard-won stability. While acknowledging bilateral arrangements between some troop-contributing countries and Somalia to fill the gap, he cautioned that such stopgap measures were unsustainable without stronger international engagement.
He urged the global community to renew its commitment to Somalia’s peace process and broader Horn of Africa stability initiatives.
The two military chiefs agreed to broaden cooperation in several key areas: expanding security partnerships within Africa and globally, fostering innovation to counter emerging threats such as cyberattacks and environmental challenges, and enhancing multiagency operations. The pact also prioritises professionalising African military forces through strengthened training and reinforcing civil-military relations.
By the close of the meeting, the Nairobi–Washington defence relationship had not only been reaffirmed but charted towards deeper collaboration, a move set to have far-reaching implications for African and global security.
