KDF chief, US AFRICOM boss hold high-level talks in Germany
Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri has held high-level bilateral talks with General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), at AFRICOM Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
In a statement on August 15, 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces revealed that the meeting reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States in advancing peace, stability, and security across the Horn of Africa and its maritime domains.
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Langley praised the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their sustained contributions to regional stability, particularly through peace support operations in Somalia, noting their pivotal role in shaping security outcomes.
“He underscored the importance of sustained, multilateral cooperation to consolidate and safeguard the hard-won gains in the Horn of Africa, reiterating that as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), Kenya remains a critical strategic partner to the United States,” read the statement in part.
On his part, Gen. Kahariri thanked the US government and US AFRICOM for their consistent support but voiced concern over the recent troop drawdown under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
He warned the move could erode years of progress and said that while bilateral arrangements with Somalia by some troop-contributing countries temporarily fill the gap, they are unsustainable without broader international backing.
“He urged the global community to renew and strengthen its commitment to the Somali peace process and broader Horn of Africa stability efforts,” he said.
At the same venue, Gen. Kahariri and Gen. Langley jointly released the inaugural Joint Communiqué from the African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD), marking a milestone in coordinated action among African and international defence leaders.
The communiqué
The co-signed communiqué consolidates priorities agreed upon by 38 African delegations during ACHOD 2025 in Nairobi. It sets the stage for concrete action ahead of ACHOD 2026, focusing on:
- Renewing and expanding security partnerships – Boosting collaboration among regional bodies, civil society, the private sector, academia, and communities.
- A Common vision for security – standardising doctrine, improving information sharing, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
- Innovation against emerging threats – Using technology to counter cyberattacks, environmental challenges, and unconventional tactics.
- Strengthening defence institutions – Professionalising forces, enhancing multiagency operations, and improving civil-military relations.
- Promoting African Leadership – Driving African-led security solutions with targeted partner support.
