US Africa Commander Langley praises KDF for missions to restore regional peace

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley has praised the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for its leadership role in restoring peace within Africa through various missions.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV's ‘The Explainer’ show om Tuesday, General Langley lauded the Kenyan soldiers for the defunct African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), now African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), that seeks to quell the terror group, Al-Shabaab.

Aside from Kenya, the operation consists of troops from Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti and Uganda.

General Langley pointed out how Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks highly of the ATMIS mission in empowering the Somali National Armed Forces.

"The KDF has a reputation in East Africa as a leader and security exporter. They are an anchor country in a few iterations such as AMISOM and now ATMIS," he said.

"I met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed and he speaks highly of the brothers and sisters at the border in Somalia from Kenya."

The General explained that Al-Shabaab, sponsored by militant organization Al Qaeda, infiltrates its presence within a country to gain ground and spread its influence.

A strategy to counter the terror group's influence, according to Langley, involves developing the capacity of the Somali Forces to enable them to take over security responsibilities.

"Sponsored by Al Qaeda, they (Al-Shabaab) want to be able to use their operations to become the shadow government and conduct nefarious activities to prey upon the people of Somalia," he highlighted.

General Langley also expressed concerns about plans by Russia and China to expand their military and economic influence across the continent, citing that such programmes don't prioritise Africans' needs.

"We are concerned about it. Their influence may not be looked upon as positive (on Africans). Americans have that in mind that Africans be able to hit their maximum potential in independence and sovereignty and freedom," he added.

While explaining why AFRICOM chose Kenya to host the African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD) 2025, an event that brings together top military leaders from across the continent, he recognised the country's position as a key influencer on regional security matters.

This will mark the second time the conference will be held in Africa, the first held in Botswana.