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Arlington, Va. — The United States has an enduring commitment to Africa, said U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a March 2 digital press briefing sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. AFRICOM represents a partnership of 53 African nations, all working toward the joint goal of security and stabilization across the continent.
Increased maritime capacity is an important factor in that overall strategy.
Gen. Langley stated that, from a U.S. national security standpoint, Africa is a geopolitical force that will require a strong U.S./Africa relationship today that will serve as an “important foundation” for our shared future. AFRICOM takes a “whole nation” perspective to security challenges in the region, said Langley. This includes a “3D” approach that includes diplomatic efforts from the Department of State, development efforts from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and defense efforts from the Department of Defense.
The focus on the importance of diplomacy was reiterated throughout the briefing. Langley stated that AFRICOM applauds the efforts of both the Department of State and USAID as U.S. diplomats, and development teams work with leaders in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to address the M23 terrorist crisis — a key example of how collaboration can influence the ultimate goals of stability and security in Africa.
Langley also touched on several joint exercises that address both interoperability and capacity building throughout the continent, such as Cutlass Express, a “U.S. Naval Forces Africa-led, all-domain exercise in East African coastal regions and the West Indian Ocean,” and Obangame Express, the “largest multinational maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa.”
AFRICOM will continue to develop partnerships in coordination and cooperation with African partners to tackle shared challenges such as violent extremist organizations, illegal fishing, piracy, and transnational crime, said Langley. Identifying and building on the capacities of local governments in an important step in the right direction to solve complex problems and prevent terrorist from spreading across the continent, he added.
of Seapower Magazine, bringing extensive experience as an
editor, attorney, and communications professional with 20+
years of experience leading teams across industries and
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As a defense litigation attorney in New Orleans, Ann drafted
both federal and state legal arguments as well as publishing
legal articles in professional journals. She is also the former
managing editor of the online news website TheLatest.com,
where, in addition to managing the editorial staff and
contributing writers, she was the regular food and lifestyle
section writer.
Additional writing and publishing experience include: editing and self-publishing a community
cookbook for the (now former) U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, serving as the managing
editor of the Law Journal for the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, the editor-in-chief
of the magazine for the New York University Department of Culture and Communication, and
the associate publisher for the New York City lifestyle publication GO Magazine.
Ann is also an experienced public speaker, including for the University of Maryland’s business
school, the annual Women Officer Leadership conference for AcademyWomen, and American
Councils for International Education.
Ann is also a podcast host and producer, independent filmmaker, and is proficient in French. She
is currently based in Baltimore City, where she lives with her husband, two children, and rescue
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Ann holds a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and graduated magna
cum laude in mass media communication studies from New York University
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