General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, visited Benin and Cameroon from September 16 to 20, 2025. This marked his first official trip to the region since assuming command. The visit focused on reinforcing security partnerships between the United States and these West African countries.
In Benin, General Anderson met with President Patrice Talon, Minister of Defense Dr. Alain Fortunet Nauatin, Chief of Defense Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi, and U.S. Ambassador Brian Shukan. In Cameroon, he held discussions with President Paul Biya, Minister of Defense Joseph Beti Assomo, Brigadier General Donatien Melingui Nouma—Inspector in charge of Forces at the Defense Headquarters—and U.S. Ambassador Christopher John Lamora.
The meetings addressed collaboration on shared security concerns, particularly terrorism threats originating from the Sahel region that have affected Coastal West African nations. These countries voiced their concerns about these threats and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with American forces.
“These engagements were invaluable opportunities to reinforce our commitment to our partners in West Africa,” said Anderson. “The terrorist threat has evolved, requiring increased vigilance and coordinated action. Partnerships and coordination in West Africa remain key to countering the escalating terrorism in the region. Without partnering to address terrorism, Africa becomes the next 9/11 source. We are here to strategically support efforts that strengthen and enable our African partners’ operational independence.”
Key topics discussed included strategies for counterterrorism, improving maritime security by combating piracy and illegal fishing, enhancing security force assistance programs such as military education and training, and promoting regional stability through cooperation and interoperability among partner militaries.
Anderson emphasized continued U.S. support for regional-led solutions to security challenges: “He reaffirmed that U.S. Africa Command will continue to work closely with its African partners to promote security, stability, and prosperity in the region.”
The visit is part of ongoing efforts by U.S. Africa Command to assist regional partners through training programs, equipment transfers, capacity building initiatives, and support for governance within the security sector.
This trip builds on existing relationships between the United States and its West African partners as they address evolving security issues together.