US Defence Secretary lands in Djibouti in his Africa's trip

NAIROBI, Kenya - US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has landed in Djibouti as he embarks on his African trip, which comes at the time the continent is struggling with violent extremism and political instability, which has seen several West Africa states fall to military regimes, in what further threatens democracy.

The trip to Djibouti is significant given that the country plays host to the US Africa Command, a force that has been on stabilization mission across the continent, despite also having headquarters in Germany. Djibouti neighbors Somalia.

The neighboring Somalia has been struggling with the Al-Shabaab menace for over 16 years and the US Africa Command has been crucial in giving aerial surveillance technical support besides training and equipping the Danab Special Forces in the country.

After his trip to Djibouti where the security situation in the Horn of Africa will be discussed, Lloyd Austin will tour Kenya, a strategic partner of the US in East Africa before rounding up his trip in Angola. Kenya hosts the Manda Bay Naval base which was attacked by Al-Shabaab militants in 2020..

"Wheels up at Andrews_JBA 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," he said before take off in America.

"Wheels down in Djibouti. I’ll meet with President Guelleh and Defense Minister Bourhan to reinforce the strong defense relationship between our countries. I’ll also visit our troops at Camp Lemonnier," the minister added while confirming arrival in Djibouti.

His trip comes a few months after President Joe Biden reinstated soldiers in Somalia, who had left following a decree signed by former President Donald Trump. With Al-Shabaab intensifying activities across Somalia and in Kenya, the US had to redeploy the soldiers to the country.

At the moment, Somalia, with the help of the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], is fighting Al-Shabaab militants in phases, with the first operation mainly focusing on HirShabelle and Galmadug. The second phase of operations will target Jubaland and Southwest states.

GAROWE ONLINE