VICENZA, Italy – U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Commanding General Gen. Christopher Cavoli visited military leaders in Kenya and Botswana April 10-14 to discuss mutual security interests in eastern and southern Africa.
Cavoli met Lt. Gen. Francis Omandi Ogalla and Lt. Gen. Walter Raria Koipaton, Kenya Vice Chief of Defence Forces and Kenya Army Commander, respectively. Kenya Defense Forces recently hosted U.S. Africa Command’s Exercise Justified Accord 22, led by U.S. Army elements subordinate to Cavoli’s USAREUR-AF headquarters.
Later, Cavoli traveled to Gabarone to meet senior governmental officials there. He visited with Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, and Hon. Kagiso Mmusi, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security. He also met with Deputy Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Maj. Gen. Mpho Mophuting and Maj. Gen. Joseph Seelo, Ground Force Commander, BDF.
Cavoli gathered feedback about last month’s African Land Forces Summit in Fort Benning, Georgia, attended by Botswana and Kenya army leaders and nearly 40 other ground force commanders. He also discussed future engagement and cooperation opportunities, such as Justified Accord 23, theater security cooperation, and other upcoming multilateral engagements.
“Both Kenya and Botswana have highly capable and professional armies that are addressing regional security threats with outstanding vision and leadership,” Cavoli said. “The U.S. Army remains committed to engaging with our African partners and continuing to coordinate security cooperation training and operations on the continent.”
“Security in the United States and Europe is inextricably linked with security in Africa,” he said. “Synchronizing with our African and European partners, as well as with our State Department leadership, is crucial as we continue strengthening those relationships and supporting regional security.”
For additional information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office at 373-2419 or PASGaborone@state.gov. For a full biography of Gen. Christopher Cavoli, please visit this website: https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/Portals/19/documents/Biographies/Bio_CG_211214.pdf?ver=SVVKbDxFtDhRcaFz5h1TKQ%3d%3d
