General Dagvin Anderson conducted a visit to Benin and Cameroon September 16-20, 2025, his first visit to the region as Commander, U.S. Africa Command.
The trip highlighted the strong and enduring security partnerships between the United States and these key West African allies of the United States, said a statement to APA on Wednesday.
Anderson’s meeting with the Beninese President Patrice Talon focused on strengthening collaboration in addressing shared security challenges, particularly the migrating terrorism threats that have made Africa the new global epicenter of evolving threats of terrorism.
Coastal West African nations have been wary of Sahel-based threats and are keen on forging an alliance with US forces.
“These engagements were invaluable opportunities to reinforce our commitment to our partners in West Africa,” said Anderson. “The terrorist threat has evolved, requiring increased vigilance and coordinated action. Partnerships and coordination in West Africa remain key to countering the escalating terrorism in the region. Without partnering to address terrorism, Africa becomes the next 9/11 source. We are here to strategically support efforts that strengthen and enable our African partners’ operational independence.”
Issues dicussed during the meeting covered counter terrorism, exploring collaborative strategies to combat the evolving threat of terrorist organisations, working to degrade and disrupt threats, and enhancing regional cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
Maritime security also featured in the talks which sought to identify opportunities to enhance maritime domain awareness, combat piracy and illegal fishing, and secure vital waterways, thereby preventing exploitation by illicit actors.
There was also a recongised need for security force assistance to deepen professional military education and training, enhance the capabilities of partner militaries an facilitate equipment transfers wth forces in countries in the region.
It was also recongised that regional stability and interoperability could promote regional cooperation and interoperability to address shared security challenges.
Anderson reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting regional-led solutions to regional security challenges. He reaffirmed that U.S. Africa Command will continue to work closely with its African partners to promote security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The visit builds upon the strong foundation of existing partnerships and reinforces U.S. Africa Command’s dedication to supporting African partners in addressing their security challenges.
WN/as/APA