Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yilmaz
05/20/2025
Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yilmaz
05/20/2025 06:28 PM EDT
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Deputy Secretary Landau’s Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yilmaz
Readout
May 20, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz. The Deputy underscored the strong U.S.-Türkiye bilateral relationship as a new era of partnership, advancing cooperation between our two nations across a broad range of issues toward common goals of peace, trade, and commerce. The two sides discussed the importance of fulfilling President Trump’s announcement of sanctions relief for Syria and recognized the need to maintain the territorial integrity of a stable, united Syria that is not a safe haven for terrorism.
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Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Office of the Spokesperson Turkey
Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Syria Working Group
05/20/2025
Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Syria Working Group
05/20/2025 07:04 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Syria Working Group
Media Note
May 20, 2025
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States and the Republic of Türkiye.
Begin Text:
The United States and Türkiye are committed to increasing cooperation and coordination on stability and security in Syria as outlined by President Trump and President Erdoğan.
The United States hosted Türkiye for a new round of the Syria Working Group in Washington, D.C. U.S. and Turkish interagency delegations were led by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nuh Yılmaz. U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Thomas Barrack Jr. and Turkish Ambassador to the United States Sedat Önal also participated.
The delegations discussed shared priorities in Syria, including sanctions relief according to President Trump’s directive and combatting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The United States and Türkiye share a vision for Syria that is stable and at peace with itself and its neighborhood, which will also allow millions of displaced Syrians to return home.
The United States and Türkiye recognize the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of Syria. A stable and united Syria, which does not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations, will support regional security and prosperity.
End Text.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Counterterrorism Deputy Secretary of State Office of the Spokesperson Security and Defense Stability Syria Turkey
U.S. Support for UK and Mauritius Agreement on Chagos Archipelago
05/22/2025
U.S. Support for UK and Mauritius Agreement on Chagos Archipelago
05/22/2025 11:30 AM EDT
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Today, the United States welcomed the historic agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory—specifically, the Chagos Archipelago.
We commend both the United Kingdom and Mauritius for their leadership, vision, and commitment to ensure that Diego Garcia remains fully operational for the duration of this agreement. We look forward to working closely with both governments to strengthen our collaboration in support of regional peace and stability.
Following a comprehensive interagency review, the Trump Administration determined that this agreement secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia. This is a critical asset for regional and global security. President Trump expressed his support for this monumental achievement during his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer at the White House.
This milestone reflects the enduring strength of the U.S.-UK relationship—a relationship that, as demonstrated by the U.S.-UK trade deal announced on May 8, extends far beyond defense to encompass economic growth, innovation, and shared global leadership.
Although the United States is not a party to this agreement, we remain responsible for operating the U.S. Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia, which continues to play a vital role in supporting forward-deployed operational forces and advancing security across the region.
The United States values its partnership with both the United Kingdom and Mauritius, and we stand ready to continue our collaboration to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
Deputy Secretary Landau’s Travel to Dayton, Ohio
05/22/2025
Deputy Secretary Landau’s Travel to Dayton, Ohio
05/22/2025 03:53 PM EDT
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Deputy Secretary Landau’s Travel to Dayton, Ohio
Media Note
May 22, 2025
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will travel to Dayton, Ohio, on May 23 to attend the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly and deliver remarks on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Negotiated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Agreement ended the Bosnian War. While in Dayton, the Deputy Secretary will hold six bilateral meetings with leaders from the Western Balkan states.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Deputy Secretary of State Office of Public Liaison Office of the Spokesperson Official Domestic Travel Ohio
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Albares
05/22/2025
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Albares
05/22/2025 09:33 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Albares
Readout
May 22, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in Washington, DC. Secretary Rubio acknowledged and thanked Spain for fulfilling its prior pledge to hit two percent defense spending by 2025, but stressed that more must be done. In addition, the Secretary recognized Spain’s robust cooperation on countering illegal immigration. Secretary Rubio highlighted President Trump’s decisive action to remedy our trade deficit with the EU. Both leaders agreed on the urgency of ending the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State Spain
The Week at State: May 16 – May 22, 2025
05/23/2025
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May 16 – May 22
"It is time to show how foreign assistance can be an accountable and effective component of an America First Foreign Policy." - Secretary Rubio
Here's what happened at State this week. ⤵️💬 Secretary Rubio appeared before four congressional committees on Capitol Hill to outline how the State Department's budget will strengthen our security and promote U.S. leadership abroad.
✈️ Concluding a busy week of travel, Secretary Rubio attended the Pope's inaugural Mass and met with top Holy See, Italian, and Ukrainian officials.
📞 President Trump announced Russia and Ukraine will begin ceasefire talks following his call with President Putin.
Breaking Down the Budget on Capitol Hill
Secretary Marco Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request on Capitol Hill, May 20, 2025. (State Dept./Freddie Everett)
This week, testifying before committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives on the proposed FY26 State Department budget, Secretary Rubio outlined his vision for a Department that is faster, more focused, and rooted in America's national interests. He emphasized that national security remains the federal government's most important responsibility in keeping America safe.
As a central point, the Secretary underscored that foreign aid, as a tool of our foreign policy, must be aligned with U.S. priorities. He made clear that the best foreign aid leads to an outcome where, "…at some point that country doesn't need it anymore because now they're self-sufficient."
Read more in our latest post on Substack, featuring Secretary Rubio's statement before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
A Historic Moment at the Vatican
Secretary Marco Rubio participates in a tour of Vatican sites and meets with Pope Leo XIV during his inaugural Mass in Vatican City, the Holy See, May 18, 2025. (Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media)
Secretary Rubio concluded his busy previous week of travel with a series of high-level engagements in Italy. Meeting with senior Holy See officials, the Secretary discussed shared efforts to advance religious freedom and end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Secretary Rubio also met with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and received a tour of historic Vatican sites. Finally, he attended the inaugural Sunday Mass of Pope Leo XIV, joining Vice President Vance for an audience with the first American to serve as pontiff.
Russia and Ukraine Step Toward Peace
On May 19, President Trump spoke with President Putin and announced that Russia and Ukraine will start negotiations toward a ceasefire. President Trump mentioned both countries could benefit from future trade with the U.S. once peace is reached.
Ahead of the call, Secretary Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 17, where he emphasized that the comprehensive peace plan proposed by the U.S. outlines the best way forward.
News You May Have MissedWe imposed visa restrictions on travel agencies operating in India for their involvement in facilitating illegal immigration to the U.S.
Secretary Rubio called for the release of the Panchen Lama, who was abducted by Chinese authorities 30 years ago — just days after the Dalai Lama recognized the 6-year-old boy as a major Tibetan figure.
We reaffirmed our commitment with Türkiye to increase cooperation and coordination on stability and security in Syria as outlined by President Trump and President Erdoğan.
The U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea convened the Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat Managing Board to deepen cooperation on shared regional and global priorities.
Kiribati officially joined the Biological Weapons Convention, reinforcing global efforts to prevent the development and use of biological weapons.
Looking AheadMay 26: Memorial Day
June 15-17: G7 Summit
June 15-July 13: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
June 24-25: NATO Summit
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Georgia National Day
05/26/2025
Georgia National Day
05/26/2025 12:01 AM EDT
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
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Georgia National Day
Press Statement
May 26, 2025
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my greetings to the people of Georgia on this national day.
For over thirty years, the friendship and partnership between our nations has been built on shared values of democracy, sovereignty, and the pursuit of a better future.
On this day, we celebrate the strength and resilience of the Georgian people and our enduring bonds. The Georgian people’s love of and commitment to freedom and independence is inspiring. The United States remains committed to a partnership in line with Georgia’s aspirations for a secure and prosperous future.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Georgia Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
05/28/2025
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
05/28/2025 06:49 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with German Foreign Minister Wadephul
Readout
May 28, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Washington, DC. They discussed U.S.-German coordination on key objectives including bringing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, containing destabilizing actions from Beijing, and ensuring that Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. Both leaders also discussed industrial capacity and supply chains and their important relationship to national security. Secretary Rubio welcomed Germany’s commitment to increasing its defense spending as both sides affirmed the importance of closer strategic alignment to secure peace and stability.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Germany Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Secretary Rubio’s Phone Call with Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov
05/28/2025
Secretary Rubio’s Phone Call with Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov
05/28/2025 06:43 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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Secretary Rubio’s Phone Call with Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov
Readout
May 28, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Secretary Rubio welcomed Russia and Ukraine’s exchange of “1,000-for-1,000” prisoners over the weekend. The Secretary reiterated President Trump’s calls for constructive, good faith dialogue with Ukraine as the only path to ending this war.
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Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Office of the Spokesperson Russia The Secretary of State Ukraine
Joint Statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) on the First Report Covering DPRK-Russia Military Cooperation
05/29/2025
Joint Statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) on the First Report Covering DPRK-Russia Military Cooperation
05/29/2025 10:16 AM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
The following text was released by the Governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America to highlight the publication of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT)’s first report covering DPRK-Russia military cooperation.
Begin Text:
We, the participating states of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), released today its first report. This multilateral mechanism was established in October 2024 to monitor and report on the implementation of United Nations sanctions measures on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The report is available on the official MSMT website (https://msmt.info ).
The report, which focuses primarily on unlawful DPRK-Russia military cooperation including arms transfers and Russia’s training of DPRK troops, consolidates information provided by MSMT participating states on violations and evasions of sanction measures stipulated in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). The report also contains information provided by open source intelligence organizations.
This report is a product of our efforts to address the monitoring gap arising from the disbandment of the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts in April 2024 which was caused by Russia’s veto in March 2024. The report will assist with the full implementation of UN sanctions by the international community. The opportunity for dialogue to reestablish the Panel of Experts as a central element of the UN sanctions framework remains open, provided the Panel is restored to the full form it had prior to disbandment.
With the release of the first MSMT report, we underscore once again our shared determination to fully implement relevant UNSCRs. We urge the DPRK to engage in meaningful diplomacy, and call on all states to join global efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of ongoing threats from the DPRK and those that facilitate its illicit activities in contravention of relevant UNSCRs.
We will continue our efforts to monitor the implementation of UNSCRs on the DPRK and raise awareness of ongoing attempts to violate and evade UN sanctions.
End Text.
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs
05/29/2025
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs
05/29/2025 12:52 PM EDT
Office of the Spokesperson
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Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs
Readout
May 29, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with North Macedonia Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timčo Mucunski today. The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and North Macedonia and highlighted mutual interests in regional stability, economic cooperation, and NATO. They explored opportunities to expand economic collaboration, including trade and investment. The Secretary emphasized the need for NATO Allies to support and achieve five percent defense spending.
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Croatia Statehood Day
05/30/2025
Croatia Statehood Day
05/30/2025 08:16 AM EDT
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
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Croatia Statehood Day
Press Statement
May 30, 2025
On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our congratulations to the people of Croatia as you mark your Statehood Day.
Croatia’s rising defense investments and its contributions to regional energy security underscore its value as a dependable NATO Ally. These efforts are essential to international stability at a time when burden-sharing and regional security cooperation matter more than ever.
As you celebrate this day of national pride, know that America stands with you – as a trusted Ally and a partner in pursuing peace and prosperity for our peoples.
Čestitamo Dan državnosti.
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Bilateral Relations and Engagement Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Croatia Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
Digital Press Briefing on the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025 with the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley
05/30/2025
Digital Press Briefing on the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025 with the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley
05/30/2025 12:35 PM EDT
U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command
Africa Regional Media Hub
MODERATOR: Good afternoon to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Africa — (interruption) – Africa Regional Media Hub. Pardon me for that. I welcome our participants logging in from across the continent and thank all of you for joining us. I think that many of our journalists today have probably been on previous hub calls, and so you probably noticed that we are experimenting with the Webex platform. So please bear with us if there are any technical difficulties today. We’re going to be operating things a little bit differently as well, which I’ll explain later. But in any event, today we are very pleased to be joined by the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley. General Langley will discuss the Africa Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025. The African Chiefs of Defense Conference is a premier forum for military leaders from across the African continent to address pressing security challenges.
We will begin today’s briefing with opening remarks from General Langley, then we will turn to your questions. We will try to get to as many of those questions as we can during the briefing.
And with that, I’d like to turn it over to General Langley for his opening remarks.
GENERAL LANGLEY: Good afternoon and thank you. Thank you all for taking time to talk to me today. I’m calling from Nairobi, Kenya, where we were wrapping up a significant event – the African Chiefs of Defense Conference. This year, we were joined by senior military leaders from over 37 African nations. And let me explain the dialogue.
The dialogue here was powerful. It was focused on African-led solutions, regional cooperation, and long-term security strategies. These conversations reaffirm something critical: that African militaries are not waiting to be saved. African militaries are taking on security challenges head-on, and leverage opportunities for their nations to achieve stability and prosperity. So right now, as I speak to you, they continue to step up and take control of their own futures.
Today, I want to emphasize U.S. AFRICOM’s strategic approach. I’ve been charged by the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to mitigate threats to the U.S. homeland posed by terrorist organizations, the most dangerous of which are unfortunately right here on the African continent.
Now, to do this, first of all, Africa – AFRICOM is increasingly focused on helping our African partners address the root causes of terrorism. That means tackling instability at the local level – through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and institutional strengthening – using and recommending tools beyond just the military might.
So security is rooted in the strength of communities. Militaries must therefore be deeply integrated into society writ large to ensure safety and prosperity.
Now, over the years of – during my tenure of command, since 2022, my travels to Kenya, I was able to get out in the community. I visited Kibera and met with a grassroots organization, which is the Shining Hope for Communities, the SHOFCO, led by Dr. Odede. And this community, he showed me the way and all of the activities which he was doing – work over 40 counties across Kenya, mobilizing community-led efforts that prevent violence and build lasting peace. Now, that’s the model of how real security starts at the ground level – with the people.
Now, AFRICOM’s aim is to support African nations in building the self-reliance needed to confront terrorism and insurgency by assisting in building strong, capable military and security forces. Our partnership is summed up in three words: peace through strength. Strong partnerships are the best representation of that thought, because we’re always stronger when we stand together.
Second, while here at the ACHOD Conference, we are having honest conversations about burden sharing. As resources are rebalanced globally, it is essential that all partners around the world – Africa included – take more ownership in their regional and continental security.
So that’s why our military engagements emphasize the readiness of independent operations. We had exercises this spring into – leading into the summer, like African Lion in North Africa, Flintlock in the Sahel, and the Express maritime series – Obangame Express in the west, now Cutlass was done in the east, and then Phoenix Express was done in the Mediterranean. So across the periphery of Africa, we see that all these exercises together are not – are no longer about dependence. It’s about progressing to independent operations, building interoperability among nations, so crisis – being able – interoperability that will enable crisis response and command-level leadership among African militaries.
Let’s just take Justified Accord. This was the largest military exercise in East Africa. It trains over 1,300 troops from up to 20 nations across – 20 nations across the continent of Africa. We do this each and every year. Kenya – along with Djibouti and Tanzania – they led from this front in the 2025 exercise by co-hosting the exercise. This is the kind of regional leadership exactly in the direction of where we want to go, and we’re encouraging it across the continent.
Let me speak plainly about the threats, though, we and the world, and specifically Africans, are facing increasingly as years go by.
The Sahel – that’s where we consider the epicenter of terrorism – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are confronted with this each and every day; they’re in crisis. The terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida are thriving, particularly in Burkina Faso, where the government has lost control of wide swaths of territory across their sovereign nation. Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region as well, and extremist groups are growing more aggressive.
One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West Africa coasts. If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the U.S. shores.
That’s why our coastal partners – Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin – are fighting fiercely along their northern borders to prevent terrorist expansion, and U.S. AFRICOM is standing with them.
In East Africa, in support of the Somalia Federal Government, the U.S. is actively pursuing and eliminating jihadists. And at the request of the Somali Government, this year alone AFRICOM has conducted over 25 airstrikes – double the number of strikes that we did last year.
I must emphasize we do prioritize protecting civilians. That is our moral imperative. AFRICOM has the highest standards in the region when it comes to protecting civilians that may find themselves surrounded by conflict. We do everything possible to keep them safe.
Now, we’re also focused on a broader strategic competition. My second charge from Secretary Hegseth is to confront the military ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party on the continent. So while the U.S. works to build transparency and respectful partnerships, China continues to pursue access to Africa’s resources – often ignoring long-term sustainability.
So we’re taking a different approach – one that links security with trade. We know private investment cannot thrive without safety. That’s why AFRICOM’s role is so vital: We are not just helping build military capacity for African nations, we are helping build the stability that underpins both African and American prosperity.
Now, during my travels – I just want to note the last three years – I’ve seen these investments firsthand. And it is clear to me that the whole-of-society approach is necessary to address these challenges. And I meet across the society and the community, especially across the youth, who are our future of the African continent, being able to stabilize and reach all of the opportunities for prosperity.
In Algeria, I met with a youth robotics team applying technology to solve local problems – that is proof that African innovation will be a force of stability in the future.
I did the same thing in Morocco – spoke to over 200 young cadets at the military academy. These are tomorrow’s military leaders of the future, grounded in their service and discipline.
Also, last year at the ACHOD conference in Botswana, I did go to a PEPFAR – this was a supported medical station. I saw firsthand the lifesaving impacts and collaboration that saved over 20 million lives across Southern Africa.
And then lastly, in Gabon, young students enrolled in STEM and robotics programs showed how they plan to use their projects in the future.
And then also while visiting young African leaders in Mauritania, to Nigerians, and to Somalia, I’ve seen young people that are getting the opportunities for prosperity in the future. So that was the reward of my adventures: to be able to visit various African countries not just in the military sense but across civil society.
Now, I will say AFRICOM’s goal is to deepen partnerships. It’s about the mutual goal of keeping our homeland safe, and it’s about long-term capacity, not dependence. It’s about empowering African nations to solve African problems, not just through handouts but through trusted cooperation. A safe and stable and prosperous Africa is not a charitable goal. It’s a strategic necessity for the United States and for our African partners. AFRICOM is leaning in with the targeted training in advanced intelligence sharing and to support institutions that endure long after exercises end or commanders rotate.
So let me close with this. This will likely be my last, final Chiefs of Defense Conference as the AFRICOM commander. A nomination for my successor is expected soon. But no matter who holds this position, the AFRICOM mission remains constant. AFRICOM will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with African partners into the future. It’s been an honor to stand with all of you, and I am excited to see Africa’s emerging leaders drive progress not just across the continent but across the world.
Thank you. I look forward to your questions.
MODERATOR: Thank you, General Langley. We will now begin the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing. So at any rate, we’d like to go to questions now. And we’re going to be posing questions on the topic of today’s briefing, which is the African Chiefs of Defense Conference 2025.
So for our first question, I’ll go to Chris Gordon of Air & Space Forces Magazine. And his question is: “What are the consequences of the U.S. leaving Niger? What alternative basing arrangements have been agreed to or are being pursued?”
GENERAL LANGLEY: Well, okay. Thanks for that question, Chris. I’ll just say that since we’ve left Niger in September of last year, we’re observing a rise in attacks by violent extremist organizations, not only in Niger but across the Sahel to include Nigeria as well and emanating in – going into Burkina Faso and Mali. Now, this increases – is measurable by both frequency and complexity of these attacks driven by persistent and socioeconomic grievances and the proliferation of weapons and increased capable terrorist groups across the board. So unfortunately with our withdrawal from the region, we have lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely but continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can.
MODERATOR: Thank you, General. Our second question goes to Fadi Mansour, Al Jazeera Media Network. And the question is: “How hopeful is General Langley that AFRICOM’s efforts in Libya will lead to military reunification? And are there any considerations to redeploy U.S. forces to the country?” Libya.
GENERAL LANGLEY: Okay. Thanks for that question, Fadi. I’ll just say we’ve been meeting with and talking to both sides in Libya, trying to find ways to get the country on the path of reunification. And we’re doing it – we’re doing it through the security construct first and hopefully we can set the stage and set the conditions for a diplomatic process to continue. But at this ACHOD Conference here in Kenya, we invited both sides to send their senior military leaders. Last year in Botswana, even in the previous year, both sides were in attendance. So I’d welcome – we always welcome both sides at the ACHOD Conference, where we had a meaningful exchange of ideas. But there’s no discussion on troop movements, I’ll just say that.
MODERATOR: All right. Thank you very much. Let’s turn now to Jessica Donati of Reuters in Senegal. And the question is: “Can you offer your analysis on the latest series of major attacks in Nigeria and the Sahel? Do you see signs that groups are cooperating more broadly?”
GENERAL LANGLEY: Well, Jessica, the recent attacks in Nigeria and across the Sahel are deeply concerning. The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are really troubling. So we’re monitoring this closely and these events, and offering of sharing intel with the Nigerian and also regional partners in that area remains constant. We are committed to supporting one of the most capable militaries in the region, in Nigeria. Unfortunately, with our withdrawal out of the region, though, we have lost some of our ability to monitor terrorist attacks closely, but we continue to liaison with our partners to provide what support we can.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Now let’s go to Mr. Ngala Chimtom of InDepth News of Cameroon. “General Langley, in early April before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, you questioned Burkina Faso’s governance, asserting that its mining resources were being used to sustain the current regime. However, recent developments suggest a different picture. Reports indicate that Burkina Faso now earns $1,200 per ounce of gold, significantly up from $300 under French oversight. Traditionally, President Traore has allocated over $179 million in gold proceeds to provide farming equipment aiming to accelerate agricultural production. Given these facts, does this shift in resource allocation alter your previous assessment that raw material revenues primarily serve to keep Traore in power?”
GENERAL LANGLEY: Well, Ngala, let me start with this. Every nation makes independent decisions regarding their security, including partnerships. We all respect their sovereignty. Given these reports, I’m glad to hear that there’s a shift in resource allocation that benefits civil society, because the enduring solution to counterterrorism does start with protecting civil society writ large. So from a military perspective, which were – my comments were grounded towards, directed towards, concerns remain on military resourcing and management of what external military support is received for the whole fight of terrorism across their sovereign nation.
So the U.S. seeks opportunities to collaborate with Burkina Faso on counterterrorism challenges. I invited Burkina Faso’s chief of defense to the African Chiefs of Defense Conference because I believe in maintaining that dialogue. So it’s still open. We’re still open to conversation to be able to address the challenges of being able – and solutions to be achieved through our collaboration for addressing the terrorist problem, which is the epicenter within their great country. And the great people of Burkina Faso deserve us to have that dialogue. Thanks.
MODERATOR: All right. Thank you. So Mr. Dean Wingrin of Defence Web in South Africa asks, “Does General Langley foresee U.S. Africa Command participating in joint exercises with Africa and, in particular, Southern African countries increasing or decreasing or staying the same?”
GENERAL LANGLEY: We’re always exploring opportunities to expand exercises like Cutlass Express, Obangame Express to include more Southern African nations. So a lot of these Express exercises, we focus on counter-piracy, counterterrorism, maritime domain awareness, and crisis response. So we have a number of partners in Southern Africa, including Botswana – as an emerging regional security exporter – that we can enable to support mutual security goals with training and exercises. So we also have a Africa Maritime Forces Summit in the Mauritius occurring in a few weeks. I would like to be able to attend that as well. But this is a prime purpose for conferences such as ACHOD. It’s how we build a path forward together.
MODERATOR: All right. Thank you very much. A question from Metro Star Media in Nigeria: “Why is U.S. AFRICOM not helping Nigeria to combat Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as pirates in the Gulf of Guinea?” And for those of you don’t know, the ISWAP is the Islamic State West Africa Province.
General.
GENERAL LANGLEY: Okay, yeah, thanks for that question. So now, as I said before, we respect nation sovereignty and only go where we’re asked as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives. I was just in Nigeria back in November, where I got to see firsthand how we actively work with and support Nigerian defense objectives. During my entire command, I’ve been on a campaign of learning, and when I was in Nigeria, I sat across from our Nigerian partners to hear how we can assist. Because again, the United States, we act with our partners, and in this particular case with Nigeria, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa to promote regional security.
Nigeria is a strategic African partner, and we have a long history of providing critical material and training support to Nigeria. It extends across from military sales, excess defense articles, and also training to go along with the foreign military sales. That’s a great example of how the law of armed conflict education goes with military training, and also, we’ve also had some intel sharing with them. So Nigeria is a leading supporter and previous host of Obangame Express as well, highlighting their role as a leader in the region.
MODERATOR: All right. Thank you. From Mr. Eliude Kibii of The Star in Kenya: “The African Union and Somalia are decrying the inadequate funding for AUSSOM” – A-U-S-S-O-M. “The U.S. is non-committal to” – I think this is the question: “Is the U.S. non-committal to any further funding? Won’t this create a gap that the resilient al-Shabaab will exploit amidst the drawback?”
GENERAL LANGLEY: Okay, that’s – that question there is really a policy question and a diplomacy-type question. And I know that the AU and the UN are working to solve these problems, but from a security perspective and more operational perspective that I bring, we do wish for the sustainability of long-term stability in Somalia. And – because that – all that Somalia does rely on building Somali security capacity. That’s where I come in. We try to effect the shared responsibility for a broad coalition so they – so the Somali National Army can achieve those security objectives.
The current funding challenges at AUSSOM kind of underscore the difficulties. But I would just stay out of that realm, but just talk about how, if they do solve these problems, it will be an enabler for continued operations in Somali National Army’s fight against al-Shabaab. So I know that the U.S. continues to work with Somali stakeholders, partners, and neighbors to improve the collaboration to go against this formidable foe.
MODERATOR: All right. Thank you very much. I’d like to just remind everybody that we have the general for a half hour, and that’s rapidly coming to a close, so I think we have time maybe for just a couple more questions. From Eric Schmitt of The New York Times, Eric asks: “Please assess the strength of ISIS Somalia and al-Shabaab in the wake of increase in U.S. airstrikes under the Trump administration?”
GENERAL LANGLEY: Hey, thanks, Eric. Good to hear from you again. Hey, so Eric, this is worth going on, as you well know. Partner-led efforts supported by the U.S. air strikes, it is working to degrade ISIS Somalia in their territorial control and across their leadership, because we are effectively hindering their ability to sustain a global network. That’s the primary purpose of these operations. Our air strikes support offensive Somali military ground operations as well against ISIS Somalia.
And then also, our air strikes have also supported Somali and AUSSOM efforts to counter al-Shabaab, which is entrenched, wealthy, and large al-Qaida group, as you well know. And they are – but we know that these groups are – have been adapting and increasing their reliance on ambushes and IEDs. So these increased strikes achieve – have achieved tactical gains against both groups. But lasting success will require a comprehensive strategy and addressing the root causes of instability in the security sector, which requires institution building across the Somali National Army and their whole of government.
MODERATOR: Thank you. Mr. Getahun Sitotaw of the Borkena agency in Ethiopia asks – I think the question is: “Did Ethiopia participate in the conference? What is Ethiopia’s role in the Horn of Africa? And is the U.S. shifting or has already shifted working with Ethiopia in fighting al-Shabaab and stabilizing the horn? What are the prospects and trends?”
General?
GENERAL LANGLEY: Yes, hey, thank you for that question. It was great to have Ethiopia represented at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference. I was able to meet with one of their senior military officials just a few hours ago, and that’s – that was very enlightening. We shared ideas and opportunities to work together. So this is – this was a prime purpose of the ACHOD Conference, is how to build a path forward, standing together to address our shared security issues and also equitable distribution of burden across – with our partners.
Ethiopia brings a highly capable forces to combat al-Shabaab alongside their Somali partners. So I was – it was great to have Ethiopia here at the conference.
MODERATOR: All right, thank you, General. And I know your time is limited, so we do have to call it a wrap at half an hour. Do you have any final thoughts, General, to share with the group?
GENERAL LANGLEY: I just want to thank the media writ large as being able to tell the story, what achievements we made this week at the Africa Chiefs of Defense Conference, because it was an opportunity for us to come together and talk about the African interagency experiences, civ-mil relations, and then all our regional efforts. That in lies what – our way forward of the African militaries with the United States being able to achieve shared objectives, especially with the most present challenge right now of countering terrorism and the – and our collective operations – and then talking about the future force going into the future to affect security, stability, and prosperity for all African nations.
Thank you all, and I appreciate the time you spent with me today.
MODERATOR: And thank you, General Langley, for joining us and being so generous with your time today. Final thank you to the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley. And thank you also to the journalists for participating. As always, we will produce a recording and a transcript of today’s briefing, and we’ll share it to those of you who participated just as soon as we can produce them. If you have any questions about today’s briefing, please contact us at the Africa Regional Media Hub at AFMediaHub@state.gov.
And one other request. If you happen to publish any articles or broadcast pieces from today’s briefing, we would appreciate it if you would share a link with us at that email address. That just helps us to monitor the reach that we’re achieving with these engagements. Lastly, I would like to invite everyone to follow us on our Twitter handle – X – at @AfricaMediaHub. Thank you, and have a great day.
# # #
The Week at State: May 23 – May 29, 2025
05/30/2025
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May 23 – May 29
"Free speech is essential to the American way of life – a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority." - Secretary Rubio
Here's what happened at State this week. ⤵️We took action to defend free speech from foreign censorship.
Secretary Rubio met with Venezuelan opposition leaders in support of their fight for democracy.
We issued sanctions relief to support Syria's recovery — marking the first steps in President Trump's vision for a new U.S.-Syria relationship.
Protecting Free Speech
On May 28, Secretary Rubio announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals who attempt to censor U.S. citizens or pressure American tech companies to limit speech. These restrictions apply to those who issue or threaten arrest warrants on U.S. citizens for social media posts on American platforms while on U.S. soil.
"For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights," Secretary Rubio posted on X.
For a deeper exploration of free speech and democratic values in global settings, read our latest Substack article, "The Need for Civilizational Allies in Europe," written by Samuel Samson, Senior Advisor for the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
Supporting Venezuela's Path to Democracy
Secretary Marco Rubio met with Venezuelan democratic opposition leaders, commending their bravery in the face of repression from the Maduro regime, May 23, 2025. (State Dept.)
On May 23, Secretary Rubio met with five Venezuelan opposition leaders who escaped persecution from the Maduro regime after sheltering in the Argentine ambassador's residence in Caracas. The Secretary praised these leaders for their bravery, highlighting the tenacity of Maria Corina Machado, who still remains in Venezuela.
Secretary Rubio expressed his concern following the arbitrary arrest of opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa and over 70 others. "The U.S. will not waver in our support for Venezuelans' fighting for democracy and the safe return of all wrongfully detained Americans," he stated on X.
We continue to warn Americans not to travel to Venezuela due to a growing risk of wrongful detention and other threats.
Sanctions Relief in Syria
Secretary Rubio announced a waiver of certain sanctions on Syria for 180 days to support recovery and humanitarian relief. These waivers will help bring electricity, energy, water, and sanitation to ensure a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.
These actions mark the first step in delivering on the President's vision of a new relationship between Syria and the U.S.
News You May Have MissedWe submitted our reorganization plan to Congress, designed to streamline operations to build a more agile Department that moves at the speed of relevancy.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that there can be no compromise with antisemitism in remarks at the Foreign Ministers' Conference on Combating Antisemitism.
We announced new visa policies that put America First, noting that the U.S. will begin to revoke visas for Chinese students, and enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong.
We highlighted Rosa María Payá's decades-long commitment to human rights, freedom, and democracy in support of her candidacy for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
The Diplomatic Security Service coordinated with U.S. and foreign counterparts to repatriate over 100 nationals from Central Asia who were in the United States illegally.
Secretary Rubio welcomed Germany's Foreign Minister to Washington, commending Germany for boosting defense spending, containing destabilizing actions from Beijing, and supporting efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Looking AheadJune 15-17: G7 Summit, Alberta, Canada
June 15-July 13: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
June 24-25: NATO Summit, The Hague
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