By Business Insider Reporter
The United States has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to regional security and counter-terrorism efforts in East Africa, following a high-level visit by General Michael Langley, the commander of the United States Africa Command (Africom), to Djibouti, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
The June 2025 visit, which included senior US defence officials and ambassadors to the region, underscores Washington’s intention to deepen military cooperation with East African states in the face of growing threats from terror groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
General Langley was joined by Africom’s senior enlisted leader, USMC Sergeant Major Michael Woods, as well as ambassadors Cynthia Kierscht (Djibouti), Richard Riley IV (Somalia), and Ervin Massinga (Ethiopia). The trip included high-level meetings with political and military leaders and attendance at a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, home to the Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA).
Tanzania watching closely
While Tanzania was not on the official itinerary, analysts say Dar es Salaam will be watching the developments closely, as terrorist activity and regional instability often spill across borders.
Tanzania shares maritime and intelligence interests with US-backed operations in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, especially in counter-piracy and coastal surveillance initiatives.
With growing US security cooperation in neighbouring countries, Tanzania’s potential inclusion in future regional security frameworks is increasingly likely, particularly as it strengthens its role in peacekeeping and border security efforts under the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).
US focuses on African-led security solutions
In Djibouti, General Langley met with senior government and military leaders, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Minister of Defence Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, and Chief of Defence General Zakaria Chiek Ibrahim, reiterating US support for counter-terrorism operations and peace promotion.
“Despite the growing threats of terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Shabaab, our continued partnership with Djibouti furthers our ability to counter terrorism and promote peace and security,” said Langley.
In Somalia, the delegation visited Berbera and Hargeisa airfields, meeting with Somaliland’s leadership including President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro). Discussions focused on securing coastal infrastructure and strengthening counter-terrorism coordination in the region.
Langley reaffirmed that the US values its partnership with Somalia’s federal government, particularly in efforts to neutralise Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia operatives, who continue to pose threats beyond Somalia’s borders.
Ethiopia’s strategic role in regional stability
In Addis Ababa, Langley and Ambassador Massinga met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Field Marshal Birhanu Jul, and senior military officials.
The US reaffirmed its commitment to Ethiopia’s critical role in Horn of Africa security and Africom’s strategic objective to help African nations build resilient, self-reliant security institutions.
This engagement is especially timely as Ethiopia seeks to restore its international standing following past conflicts and engage in more constructive regional security diplomacy.
AU support
Langley concluded the visit with meetings at the African Union (AU) headquarters, where he met with Selma Malika Haddadi, the AU Commission’s deputy chairperson.
He voiced US support for the AU Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and expressed concern over the growing influence of terrorist networks in the Sahel and West Africa’s coastal regions.
At the AU headquarters, Langley also paid tribute at the AU Memorial Wall, honouring peacekeepers who lost their lives in service to the continent.
Implications for East Africa
Africom’s visit sends a clear message: the US remains actively engaged in East Africa’s security architecture, both to protect its interests and to support African-led solutions. With East Africa’s coastline and air corridors becoming increasingly strategic, regional partners like Tanzania may find new opportunities – and responsibilities – in joint operations, intelligence sharing, and maritime security. As terrorist groups adapt and expand their reach, East Africa’s ability to build resilient security systems – in partnership with trusted global allies – will shape its stability and prosperity for years to come.
