The accompanying Peace, Security, and Governance Forum will also be co-hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, together with his colleagues from the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development.
During a briefing that took place today, a senior military official said that the African Leaders Summit takes place at a very significant moment for the ties between the United States and Africa. The United States of America has recognised the huge potential and promise that exists in Africa, and this is something that we absolutely want to capitalise on.
According to the official, the United States of America wants to work with African partners to address the most pressing challenges on the African continent, such as political instability, insurgent groups, democratic backsliding, pandemics, environmental degradation, and climate change. This will allow them to develop the potential that the continent possesses.
During the course of the three-day summit, the Peace, Security, and Governance Forum will be co-hosted by Austin with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Samantha Power, administrator of USAID.
According to the official, “Together, the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and USAID will share perspectives on the importance of our ‘3D’ approach to Africa and share the stage with our African partners to hear their perspectives on security and the challenges in their countries.”
As a strategy for addressing the underlying factors that contribute to instability in Africa, the so-called “3D” approach prioritises military action, economic growth, and diplomatic efforts.
According to the official, “this engagement will help us enhance our approach to working with our African partners across the continent.” This meeting will also provide a chance to debate the goals of the national defence policy for Africa, such as the fight against violent extremist groups, the strengthening of friends and partners, and strategic competition.
At the forum, there will also be discussions about the White House’s strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa. The official said that the Department of Defense hopes to work with African partners to develop African-led solutions and utilise civilian-led defence tools such as institutional capacity building, security sector reform, and building partner capacity and capabilities. These topics will be on the table during the forum.
The United States and African Leaders will meet for a summit on December 13-15, 2022.