FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2019
USARAF deputy commander attends African Land Forces Summit final planning conference
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Brig. Gen. Lapthe Flora, U.S. Army Africa deputy commander, concluded the African Land Forces Summit final planning event here, where he met with senior leaders of the Ethiopian National Defense Force Dec. 13.
During his visit, Flora discussed how ALFS 20 will continue to aid security cooperation endeavors with Ethiopia, African Union missions and long-term stability throughout the continent.
“This year marks the eighth African Land Forces Summit,” Flora said. “Our theme this year is Tomorrow’s Security Demands Leadership Today. This theme reflects our shared belief that leadership is an enduring responsibility among our military leaders.”
Flora knows firsthand Ethiopia’s commitment to security cooperation within East Africa, having been co-director of Justified Accord 2019 in Ethiopia last summer. Justified Accord and similar regional exercises enable African militaries and partners to work together and learn from one another, while enhancing their capabilities in relation to the challenges related to African Union peacekeeping.
“In order for our Soldiers and leaders to be successful, we must develop our leaders today,” Flora said. “Our theme this year reflects that mindset, and we hope that the summit will empower our already strong leaders.”
U.S. Army Africa is co-hosting African Land Forces Summit with the Ethiopian National Defense Force in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2020. This summit is a four-day seminar bringing together land force chiefs from across Africa for candid dialogue to discuss and develop cooperative solutions to improve trans-national security and stability. Updates to event will be posted to the U.S. Army Africa website www.usaraf.army.mil and to social media platforms.
