U.S. Defence chief Commences Official Visit to Djibouti, Kenya and Angola after 78th UN General Assembly

As the 78th UN General Assembly high-level week draws to a close, the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defence, who concurrently serves as the Principal Assistant to President Joseph Biden for matters related to the Department of Defence and the White House National Security Council, has embarked on an official six-day visit to Djibouti, Kenya, and Angola.

The U.S. Department of Defence confirmed Secretary Austin’s travel in a press statement issued on Thursday, noting that the visit will span from September 23 to September 28. The statement underscored the U.S. Department of Defence’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing regional security on the African continent.

In Djibouti, Secretary Austin’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with senior Djiboutian officials to discuss ongoing military cooperation, regional security challenges, and opportunities for further collaboration, as stated by the Department of Defence.

Djibouti’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahamoud Youssouf, who participated in the 78th UN General Assembly General Debate on September 23, expressed concerns about increasing mistrust on the global stage. In his address, Minister Youssouf highlighted the need to promote a unified multilateralism system rather than “grouping together into clubs.” He also addressed regional issues, particularly the conflict in Somalia involving Al-Shabaab.

Terrorism and regional conflicts posed by armed groups like Al-Shabaab are expected to feature prominently on Secretary Austin’s agenda during his visits to Djibouti, Kenya, and Angola. These discussions will not only involve Djiboutian officials but also counterparts in Kenya and Angola, as the United States continues to engage with African nations to bolster security and cooperation in the region.