General David Rodriguez

Gen. David M. Rodriguez spoke with members of the British press at a media round table interview highlighting his commitment to working closely in support of the U.S. State Department in executing the command's mission to strengthen the defense capabilities of our African partner nations. Rodriguez emphasized that the command's activities are "led by the Department of State and undertaken in a comprehensive 'whole-of-government' approach with other U.S. government agencies." AFRICOM strengthens the defense capabilities of individual African states as well as regional organizations so that they are more capable of providing for their own security. While acknowledging "multiple challenges" in Africa, Rodriguez highlighted progress with "increasing accountable governance with a new generation of political, social and economic leaders" and "increased regional and international integration and a willingness by both African nations and African organizations...to respond to crises on the continent in places like Somalia and Mali, where African leadership is making positive change possible." See the full transcript of the interview below.