This week, the United States is hosting a conference in Botswana that brings together defense leaders from dozens of African countries, including Libya, to exchange knowledge, foster partnerships, and enhance cooperation in addressing common security and stability challenges.
General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), highlighted that each African nation faces multi-layered threats, particularly across the Sahel region, where different countries encounter various challenges and sources of instability. Langley emphasized that African nations in the west, north, and across the Sahel have sought discussions with the United States to achieve their security objectives, recognizing the “intrinsic value” that the U.S. brings to these efforts. One of these countries is Libya, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
“We are working through diplomatic as well as defense channels with Libya,” Langley stated. “Both the General Command and the Government of National Unity will be represented at this conference.”
Langley mentioned his previous meetings with representatives from both Libyan sides last year, noting their shared goal of achieving stability and their request for U.S. cooperation to reach these objectives.
The U.S. Department of Defense noted that this year marks the first time the United States is co-hosting the conference with an African country and the first time the event is being held in Africa.