(independantexpress.net)
The eradication of terrorism and violent extremism remains a concern and a challenge for the contemporary world. It engages not only the countries affected by this scourge but also the great powers. The fight against terrorism and extremist violence is therefore an international challenge. The case of the Sahel, this region of Africa, is even more worrying and requires special attention from the world's major powers. Contrary to what public opinion thinks, the United States remains engaged in this struggle in the Sahel. On a conference call on February 13, Michael J. Dodman and Dagvin R.M. Anderson returned to the U.S. commitment to the Sahel and also announced this year's Flintlock program.
In recent days, the United States' commitment to the fight against terrorism and terrorist violence in Africa and particularly in the Sahel has made international headlines. In a conference call on 13 February, Michael J. Dodman and Dagvin R.M. Anderson, respectively the United States Ambassador to Mauritania and Commander of Special Operations Command in Africa, presented the various means implemented by The United States in the fight against this scourge in this region of Africa. In the same vein, the US authorities have addressed issues related to the Flintlock programme, which is scheduled to take place this year in Mauritania and Senegal from 17 to 28 February.
U.S. actions for security and development in the Sahel are multifaceted. Far from abandoning the fight, the United States is now focusing on diplomatic measures and the intensification of the Flintlock.
The Flintlock program is designed to strengthen the capacity of the special operating forces of the major partner countries and equip them with new strategies through military exercises to protect their borders and populations and to defeat these extremist organizations. The first and largest annual exercise of the U.S. Africa Command's Special Operations Forces, this program is an important aspect of the U.S. commitment to the fight against terrorism on the continent.
In addition to military exercises, the program takes civilians into account. High-level seminars will be held for civilians to include them in the fight against terrorists and extremists.
About 1,600 military personnel from more than 30 African nations and partners will be attending Flintlock 2020. Among the participating African countries is Togo.
Togo will be represented, not at military exercises but at high-level seminars. Represented at the last edition by two officers, Togo will send only one representative to the Flintlock 2020.
Apart from military exercises, the United States also opts for diplomatic measures. They call for increased cooperation between the various us and international special operations forces. The United States therefore stresses the need to coordinate efforts in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
A total of 15 African countries will participate in the Flintlock 2020. Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Chad and Togo.
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom are the international partners. I look forward to these different actions bringing results on the ground.
Amos D.
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