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Africa Command Deals with Emergencies as it Builds Capacity
WASHINGTON – U.S. Africa Command will expeditiously deal with operations on the continent, and will continue growing partner nations’ military capabilities, Army Gen. David Rodriguez said today.
Rodriguez, who has led Africa Command since April, spoke with reporters during a Pentagon roundtable discussion. “While there are multiple challenges in Africa, I am optimistic about the future,” he said.
The general reiterated the command’s strategy and said he believes it is helping Africans promote peace and security. “Our basic premise is that it is Africans who are best able to address African challenges, and our strategy focuses on developing partner nations’ military forces through a wide variety of programs,” he said.
Across the continent, he said, a new generation of leaders with promise for the future is coming to the fore.
“We also recognize an increasing regional and international integration and a readiness by both African nations and African organizations – such as the African Union – to respond to crises in places like Libya, Somalia, Mali and now the Central African Republic,” Rodriguez said.
The command also seeks to maintain good military-to-military contacts on the continent and is working to strengthen multinational organizations, he noted.
The command stresses an interagency, “whole of government” approach, the general said. Africa Command works closely with the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development and increasingly with multinational partners.
He acknowledged there are problems on the continent. Mali, South Sudan, Somalia and the Central African Republic require regional and international attention, he said. “I strongly believe our cooperative approach … will make enduring change possible,” he said.
South Sudan is the current flashpoint on the continent, Rodriguez said, adding the U.S. government hopes the peace process in the world’s newest country will continue to work. On the ground, opposition forces loyal to South Sudan’s vice president continue to battle government forces loyal to the president. Africa Command had to act to protect U.S. citizens in the country, the general said, who have been evacuated.
The joint force acted quickly and appropriately, he said: The East African Response Force went into the area quickly, reinforced the embassy in Juba and brought people out. “The second effort was to go into Bor to get people out of there,” the general said.
The special operations task force came under fire and four Navy SEALs were wounded, Rodriquez said.
DOD aircraft later went in to the region and brought people out. “If you look at it, it was a great effort from the whole joint team,” he said.
In South Sudan, the process worked as it should, Rodriguez said. State Department officials recognized the situation and notified Africa Command personnel quickly. The command was able to move the forces quickly to the trouble spot and the team had the training needed to be effective.
The model of interagency partners working together at the command is working, Rodriguez said. This helps the combatant command make the linkages into the agencies.
The United Nations is very active and he said the United States continues to look at ways to support it. “We are continually evolving,” he said. “In the Central African Republic, the main (capabilities) continue to be … in airlift and movement. We’re starting to look at that at the behest of the U.N.”
The areas where nations need help are almost always the same, Rodriguez said: intelligence, mobility and logistical support. “We do a good job with very small teams … that help out a significant amount,” the general said.
He noted there is a small cell in Mali that helps the U.N. mission there, for example.
The African Union has requested Africa Command help move Rwandan peacekeepers into the Central African Republic, he said. “We are planning and coordinating those efforts with the Rwandans and the French right now,” he said.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
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Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
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“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
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