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Friday, April 19, 2024

AFRICOM Commander Engages in Mali

Townsend reaffirmed that U.S. Africa Command stands in solidarity with the armed forces and people of Mali as they counter violent extremism.

U.S. Army General Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Bamako, Mali, Sept. 23, accompanied by U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement Ambassador Andrew Young. While in Mali, Townsend met U.S. Ambassador to Mali Dennis Hankins, Malian transition President Assimi Goita, and Malian Minister of Defence Sadio Camara.

In discussions with transition President Goita, Townsend discussed the shared sacrifices of Malian, U.S., and international forces in seeking to improve security and stability in Mali and the Sahel. Townsend reaffirmed that U.S. Africa Command stands in solidarity with the armed forces and people of Mali as they counter violent extremism.

“Malian and international partner forces have shed blood together while fighting against the terrorists that threaten innocent civilians in Mali and the Sahel,” said Townsend. “We want to continue this longstanding partnership.”

Townsend, Young, and Goita also discussed the need for the transitional government to adhere to its commitment to hold credible, transparent elections and transfer power to a democratically elected government by April 2022.

“Mali is at a critical juncture,” said Young. “The best way to achieve progress in Mali’s security and prosperity is to transition back to a democratic, civilian-led government that is responsive to the needs of the Malian people.”

During their meeting with Minister of Defence Camara, Townsend emphasized the significant security and development support the U.S. and partners have provided to Mali over the years, both bilaterally and through international partners such as the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, MINUSMA.

Building on the United States’ long-standing partnership with Mali, U.S. Africa Command remains committed to promoting a secure, stable and prosperous future as Mali transitions to a civilian-led democratically elected government in service of the Malian people.

Read more at AFRICOM

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Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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