News Agency of Nigeria
U.S. providing African-led solutions to African conflicts — Envoy

U.S. providing African-led solutions to African conflicts — Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Lt.-Gen. John Brennan, Deputy Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), says U.S. operations in Africa are Africa-led, promoting African solutions to African conflicts.

Brennan was joined by Amb. Robert Scott, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, at a digital news conference during their visit to the continent on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference highlighted AFRICOM’s efforts to strengthen partnerships, promote stability, and enhance collective defence across the African region.

Brennan explained that AFRICOM’s engagements emphasise cost-effective, African-led solutions that reduce direct U.S. military involvement through Joint Combined Exercise Training programmes.

“In the security sector, we assess our partners’ needs. We’ve done that in both Namibia and Angola,” he said during the briefing.

“Based on assessments, we offer options for purchasing equipment, receiving training, and other support tailored to those countries’ requirements,” he added.

He emphasised that all training and exercises are African-led, partner-led, and supported by allies to maintain regional autonomy and effectiveness.

Brennan also said AFRICOM partners with African nations to secure investments, contributing to a broader ecosystem of development and economic cooperation.

He announced Angola’s approval for the U.S. State Partnership Programme, noting that investment thrives where there is a strong sense of security.

Security, he said, encourages investment, helps countries present themselves as safe partners, and lowers risk for American business interests in Africa.

“We’re happy Angola is joining the State Partnership Programme — an incredibly valuable initiative for African nations,” Brennan stated.

He noted it strengthens ties beyond military cooperation, involving U.S. Air and Army National Guard units in strategic relationships with African counterparts.

“The Lobito Corridor in Angola shows how security can support infrastructure and development,” he said, linking defence to regional growth.

He reiterated that the U.S. prioritises lasting solutions to African conflicts, deliberately avoiding direct intervention due to the complexity of counterterrorism without a ground presence.

Brennan said AFRICOM helps build African partners’ capabilities, enabling them to counter terrorism and conduct multilateral operations with U.S. support where necessary.

“Jihadist groups operate around Angola and Namibia. ISIS has a presence in Mozambique and South Africa,” he warned.

He also noted an emerging threat from Mexican drug cartels operating from South Africa and coastal West Africa.

“Our goal is to shield Namibia and Angola from these threats and help prepare them for any future challenges,” he said.

AFRICOM, Brennan said, remains active in East Africa, particularly Somalia, targeting groups such as ISIS, al-Shabaab, and al-Qaida affiliates. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Advocate urges Africans to focus attention on addressing poverty, underdevelopment

Advocate urges Africans to focus attention on addressing poverty, underdevelopment

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By Abiemwense Moru

Founder of Loretta Health Initiative, an NGO, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has called on Africans to shift their attention from celebrity fashion to addressing issues of poverty, conflict and underdeveloped infrastructure.

Ogboro-Okor, made the call in Abuja while reacting to the global debates surrounding Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori controversial appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Censori attended the grammy’s red carpet in a transparent nearly naked dress, igniting varied reactions from some Africans who celebrated it while others described it as “shameful”.

Ogboro-Okor, an aspirant in the 2024 Edo governorship election, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that celebrity fashion was simply a “distraction” from the real issues.

“My concern is not the spectacle itself, but how it overshadows the urgent issues Africa is grappling with.

“Our focus had remained on a celebrity moment. This should be the least of our concerns when there is war in Congo, economic distress in other African countries with millions suffering from poverty and conflict.

“The ongoing conflict in Congo, where millions have been displaced was in contrast with the obsession over celebrity fashion and material wealth.

“Africa should not be consumed by the spectacle of global celebrity culture, which often distracts us from addressing the continent’s most urgent challenges,” she said.

She stressed the need for a collective focus on tackling systemic problems such as poverty, conflict, underdeveloped infrastructure and other pressing issues facing the continent.

Ogboro-Okor pointed out the disconnection between the celebrity culture that dominated the online space and the severe crises affecting millions across the continent.

She lamented the growing competition for luxury and a lifestyle that many could not afford, while millions lack access to basic necessities.

According to her, this fixation with fleeting trends highlights Africa’s misdirected priorities.

“No one will love us more than we love ourselves as Africans,” she said, urging fellow Africans to focus on family, community, and nation-building rather than materialism or fame.

“While the continent is rich in resources, it continues to be exploited and distracted by external validation. Africa must look inward to achieve real progress.

“It is time for Africans to take control of their future and focus on self-sufficiency, building stronger communities, and addressing systemic issues that hinder development.”

She urged Africa to stop being passive observers of its own destiny and start prioritising what truly matters.

She said, “the time for meaningful change is now. We must act collectively to transform Africa’s future”. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

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