AFRICOM Deputy Commander Visits Swedish Military Leadership

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John Brennan concluded a visit to Sweden this week focused on security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts in Somalia and broader strategies for Africa.

Brennan met Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, Chief of Defence Gen. Michael Claesson, Chief of Joint Operations Vice Adm. Ewa Skoog-Haslum and other leaders at the Swedish Ministry of Defence and Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters.

“Sweden’s steadfast partnership with the United States strengthens our shared ability to address complex global security challenges, including those emanating from the African continent,” Jonson said. “Lt. Gen. Brennan’s visit underscores the strategic importance of our ongoing collaboration to promote stability abroad.”

Discussions covered Sweden’s continuing partnership with AFRICOM, counterterrorism operations in Somalia and the two countries’ aligned approaches to African security. Officials also considered opportunities to collaborate on other initiatives across the continent.

“It was important to have Lt. Gen. Brennan and his team here at the Joint Operations headquarters,” Skoog-Haslum said. “We have enjoyed incredible success with our partnership with AFRICOM and had productive meetings aimed toward increasing our collaboration.”

The delegation also reviewed the work of a specialized Swedish contingent deployed to Somalia in summer 2025 to support the Somali Armed Forces.

“Sweden continues to be a reliable and stalwart partner for AFRICOM,” Brennan said. “Their sustained commitment to our joint counter-terrorism initiatives in Somalia has significantly enhanced our capacity to disrupt ISIS and al-Shabaab networks, while bolstering the Federal Government of Somalia’s sovereign security capabilities.”

Please note, this is a developing story and DefSec Wire will provide updated reporting as more information is obtained from our sources.