SOCAFRICA Commander Visits Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of Special Operations Command Africa, meets with counterparts in Benin during a trip to West Africa March 8-12. Anderson met with partners in Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger.  

STUTTGART, GERMANY

03.18.2021

Story by Maj. Andrew Caulk 

Special Operations Command Africa

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Special Operations Command Africa Commander Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, completed his multi-country West Africa visit March 8-12.
During his visit, he discussed security, human rights, and countering violent extremism with partners across West Africa.
“Countering violent extremism requires partnerships across international borders. The strong relationships between the countries in West Africa, our other international partners, and the whole of U.S. government are the cornerstone for a successful, long-term strategy to counter extremism,” said Anderson. “We continue to support the countries leading the fight in the Sahel.”
He first met with Malian Transition President N’Daw in Bamako, Mali March 9 where they were able to discuss the ongoing efforts to counter violent extremist groups across the country and throughout the bordering Sahelian nations. His visit follows a recent operational assessment by U.S. forces in Gao, Mali March 3.
The commander then traveled March 10 to Burkina Faso where he met with the Burkinabe Chief of Defense, General Miningou. General Anderson reaffirmed SOCAF’s commitment to its relationship in building capacity within the Burkinabe armed forces. General Miningou expressed appreciation for the recent training of Burkina Faso’s first military chaplains.
In Benin, Anderson visited with senior civilian and military leaders March 11 to discuss the developing violent extremist threat in the northern regions of the country bordering Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This is the first visit by a senior military leader since 2019.
Finally, the commander visited Nigerien military leadership March 12 to discuss operations in the border regions between Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria, and Niger.

• Date Taken: 03.18.2021
• Date Posted: 03.19.2021 04:18
• Story ID: 391752
• Location: STUTTGART, DE