U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley has commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their leadership in regional peace and security missions, especially in Somalia.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday, General Langley lauded the KDF’s long-standing contribution to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the successor to AMISOM, for efforts in fighting the Al-Shabaab terror group.
“KDF has a reputation in East Africa as a leader and security exporter,” he said, adding that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks highly of Kenya’s role in securing the border and supporting Somali forces.
Langley emphasized the need to build the capacity of Somali security forces to counter Al-Shabaab, which he described as a proxy for Al Qaeda aiming to establish a “shadow government” in Somalia.
He also raised concerns over growing Russian and Chinese influence in Africa, warning that their engagements may not align with the continent’s long-term interests.
AFRICOM has selected Kenya to host the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD), highlighting the country’s stature as a key regional security partner. This will be the second time the high-level event is held on the continent, after Botswana.
