U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have formally released the first Joint Communiqué to emerge from the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD), marking a new phase of coordinated action among African and international defense leaders.
The communiqué, co-signed by General Charles M. Kahariri, Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya, and General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, distills the priorities agreed upon by 38 African delegations during ACHOD 2025 in Nairobi. While the conference concluded in May, this communiqué signals the start of a sustained effort to turn dialogue into concrete steps.
“This is more than a record of what was discussed,” said Gen. Langley. “It is a shared commitment to move forward together, build on progress, and deliver results that strengthen security across Africa.”
The five focus areas outlined in the communiqué are: renew and Expand Security Partnerships Across Africa and Worldwide – Deepening coordination between regional organizations, civil society, private sector, academia, and communities; a common vision for security with a shared resolve toward implementation – standardizing doctrine, expanding information sharing, and revitalizing multilateral cooperation; inspiring Innovation Against Emerging Threats – Driving comprehensive responses to against cyberattacks, environmental impacts, and disruptive tactics; strengthening Defense Institutions – Professionalizing forces to include officer and enlisted ranks, fostering multiagency operations, and reinforcing civil-military relations; and promoting African Leadership in Securing the African Continent – Advancing African-led, whole-of-society approaches with targeted partner support.
Kahariri said, “This communiqué focuses our collective energy. It identifies where we must act and where we can lead together.”
The joint communiqué will guide military engagement, innovation, and institutional reforms in the coming year, providing a framework for measuring progress.
