AFRICOM poised to bolster ties with Gabon

General Michael Langley, the commander of the United States Africa Command has indicated his force is keen to deepen ties with Gabon and expand bilateral relations between the two countries.

Langley met Wednesday with President Ali Bongo Ondimba, the supreme commander of Gabon’s armed forces.

The US general was on a two-day visit to the central African country, as part of an African tour.

The US military commander met Tuesday with Defense Minister Félicité Ongouori Ngoubili. Both officials discussed a range of topics centering on security. Langley told media that his visit aims at “forging and expanding bilateral relations in the areas of maritime safety and security, professionalization of forces through exercises or maneuvers in order to share experiences and ideas.”

The US General took command of the force in August last year.

According to Africom website, the command counters transnational threats and malign actors, strengthens security forces, and responds to crises in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

Headquartered in Germany, the command works with all of the African continent except for Egypt.