This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On August 9, 2019, Gen Stephen J Townsend, the new commander of the US-Africa Command, embarked on his maiden tour of Somalia, vowing to take tougher action against Al-Shabaab.
Gen Townsend, who took over the mantle of the US-Africa Command last week, emphasized the need for sustained combat against the terrorist group, which has been responsible for recent deadly attacks.
“Along with Somalia and other international partners, we will apply continued pressure on violent extremist organisations,” Gen Townsend said after meeting with local Prime Minister Hassan Khaire.
This pressure, he added, creates conditions and opportunities for further political and economic development.
Gen Townsend's appointment marks a significant shift in the US military's approach to combating terrorism in Africa. He is Africom's fifth commander since its formation in 2008 and is taking over from Thomas D Waldhauser, who is retiring.
As the new commander, Gen Townsend will be responsible for maintaining defence relations with the African Union and its member states, cooperating on operations against extremists in the Horn of Africa and in the Maghreb regions.
However, his biggest challenge will be Somalia, where political and security reforms must take place before 2021. According to Gen Townsend, Al-Shabaab remains the largest and deadliest terror organisation in East Africa, despite showing signs of weaknesses.
“They are looking for an opening and an opportunity to do harm. If they could attack US interests and the homeland, they would. We can’t give them an opening. We must deny them that opportunity,” Gen Townsend said.
