AFRICOM and KDF set course for continental security opportunities with first ever joint dispatch
distills the priorities agreed upon by 38 African delegations during the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2025 in Nairobi
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have formally released the first Joint communiqué to emerge from the African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD), marking a new phase of coordinated action among African and international defense leaders.
The communiqué, co-signed by General Charles M. Kahariri, Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, and General Michael E. Langley, Commander of US Africa Command, distills the priorities agreed upon by 38 African delegations during ACHOD 2025 in Nairobi. While the conference concluded in May, this communiqué signals the start of a sustained effort to turn dialogue into concrete steps.
“This is more than a record of what was discussed,” said Gen. Langley. “It is a shared commitment to move forward together, build on progress, and deliver results that strengthen security across Africa.”
The five focus areas outlined in the communiqué are renewing and expanding security partnerships across Africa and worldwide byeepening coordination between regional organisations, civil society, private sector, academia, and communities; a common vision for security with a shared resolve toward implementation by standardising doctrine, expanding information sharing, and revitalizing multilateral cooperation; and inspiring innovation against emerging threats by driving comprehensive responses to against cyberattacks, environmental impacts, and disruptive tactics.
Others are strengthening defense institutions by professionalising forces to include officer and enlisted ranks, fostering multiagency operations, and reinforcing civil-military relations; and promoting African leadership in securing the continent by advancing African-led, whole-of-society approaches with targeted partner support.
“This communiqué focuses our collective energy. It identifies where we must act and where we can lead together,” Gen Kahariri said.
The joint communiqué will guide military engagement, innovation, and institutional reforms in the coming year, providing a framework for measuring progress
