USAFRICOM Concludes Southern Africa Visit, Emphasizing Security, Economic Investment, and Regional Stability

Ambassador Robert Scott, U.S. Africa Command’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, recently wrapped up a multi-day visit to Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa. The mission aimed to reinforce U.S. commitments to resilient defense institutions and promote regional stability while enhancing security and economic prosperity in Southern Africa.

During his stay in Eswatini, Ambassador Scott engaged with key defense leaders, including His Royal Highness Prince Sicalo and Gen. Mashikilisana Moses Fakudze, Chief of Defense of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force. The discussions highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationship, showcasing military collaborations such as Eswatini’s involvement in the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program and contributions to an AFRICOM medical readiness exercise. Future opportunities were explored, including potential participation in AFRICOM exercises and the integration of advanced technology like unmanned aircraft systems for border security.

In Lesotho, Ambassador Scott met with several senior officials, including Acting Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Richard Ramoeletsi and Lt. Gen. Exavery Mojalefa Letsoela, Chief of Defense of the Lesotho Defense Force. He expressed gratitude for their alliance, particularly commending their deployment to the Southern Africa Development Community Mission in Mozambique to combat terrorism. The Ambassador also underscored the importance of reintegration training provided by the U.S. Embassy following the deployment, alongside Lesotho’s participation in IMET and Joint Combined Exchange Training.

Lesotho demonstrated interest in utilizing drone technology to enhance border policing and combat drug trafficking. Ambassador Scott shared information about AFRICOM’s dedicated unit focused on countering drug-related issues, which could assist partners in intelligence gathering and information sharing.

Throughout his trip, Ambassador Scott emphasized the interplay between economic stability and security, outlining AFRICOM’s efforts to collaborate with various U.S. agencies to integrate defense economics into military operations for the region’s prosperity.

“We admire partners like Eswatini and Lesotho for being security exporters,” he stated. “We want to support them by helping build capacity, strengthen defense institutions, and support their efforts to counter threats and enhance sovereignty.”

Wrapping up his visit, Ambassador Scott met with U.S. Embassy officials in Pretoria, including Deputy Chief of Mission Marc D. Dillard and Defense Attaché Navy Capt. Michelle Lowe. Through such engagements in Southern Africa, AFRICOM aims to foster collaboration and build trust, committed to empowering capable partners for a secure and prosperous future in the region.

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