Dhabia Muhammad
What You Need to Know
The United States has intensified its military and diplomatic activities in the Horn of Africa, led by AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin Anderson. His recent tour included Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Puntland, emphasizing regional cooperation against terrorism and enhancing maritime security amid rising geopolitical competition.
Africa. The United States has intensified its military and diplomatic activities in the Horn of Africa, following a recent tour by AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, which included Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Puntland.
The visit focused on supporting regional efforts “to combat terrorism and enhance maritime security” in a region experiencing rising geopolitical competition.
Ethiopia and the Dream of a Seaport
On November 24, General Dagvin held high-level official talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The two sides discussed ways to address cross-border threats and collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts in East Africa and the Sahel.
The U.S. commander emphasized that stability in the Horn of Africa requires an effective partnership between the U.S., Ethiopia, and the African Union, asserting that shared security is the only path to sustainable prosperity in the region.
General Anderson also met with Ethiopian Chief of Staff Berhanu Jula, discussing regional security issues, the future of military cooperation between the two countries, and countering terrorist organizations in the area. Both parties agreed on the need to enhance security coordination.
According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense, Chief of Staff Berhanu Jula expressed his country’s desire to achieve access to a seaport through peaceful means to support its developmental and economic plans. The ministry added that General Dagvin showed understanding of the Ethiopian position, considering that any peaceful framework granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea could enhance regional stability, and he promised to convey this vision to officials in Washington.
Somaliland and U.S. Interest
During his visit to Somaliland, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson met with President Abdirahman Irro in Hargeisa, accompanied by a U.S. diplomatic and military delegation. The discussions focused on Somaliland’s growing role in protecting international shipping and addressing terrorist threats in East Africa.
President Abdirahman Irro stated that the talks centered on expanding security and intelligence cooperation, enhancing joint efforts to protect maritime routes, and exploring economic development and investment opportunities.
After the meetings in Hargeisa, the U.S. delegation moved to Berbera to inspect the airport, port, and coastal security facilities. General Anderson reviewed the logistical capabilities and infrastructure that “give Somaliland increasing weight on one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.”
U.S. officials praised Somaliland’s stability and its geographical position, which enhances its value as a partner in regional security, especially as international competition in the Red Sea intensifies.
Puntland and ISIS
Later, General Anderson visited Puntland, where he was welcomed by Vice President Elias Lughador. The discussions focused on enhancing security cooperation and intensifying military operations against ISIS in the Miskad Mountains.
This visit followed a U.S. airstrike targeting ISIS positions in the Jolis Mountains, part of a series of joint operations that local sources reported aimed at high-ranking leaders within the organization.
Anderson reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Puntland’s security capabilities, while Lughador praised the ongoing U.S. support in combating terrorism and enhancing maritime security and protecting shipping lanes.
Since August, General Anderson has served as the commander of AFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. The command oversees U.S. military operations in Africa to protect Washington’s interests and “promote regional stability.”
Since taking office in August, Anderson has embarked on a series of intensive tours, underscoring Washington’s desire to recalibrate its security presence in the Horn of Africa. In September, he conducted his first tour in the Horn of Africa, which included Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.
The Horn of Africa has long been a focal point for international interests due to its strategic location and ongoing security challenges. The region has faced instability from various armed groups, prompting nations like the United States to increase their military presence and diplomatic efforts to foster stability and counter-terrorism initiatives.
In recent years, the geopolitical landscape has shifted, with countries vying for influence in the area. The U.S. has sought to strengthen partnerships with regional governments to address these challenges, particularly in light of the growing threats posed by extremist organizations and the need for secure maritime routes in the Red Sea.
