U.S. invites Morocco, its reliable & strategic partner, to AFRICOM change of command ceremony

Morocco,U.S. long-standing friend,ally,and strategic partner in the region,has been honored to take part in U.S. AFRICOM Change of Command ceremony held Friday at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart,Germany.

Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces,Lt. General Mohamed Berrid,who was accompanied by high-level delegation,represented the Kingdom in this ceremony during which Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson assumed command from Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley.

Navy Adm. Christopher Grady,Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,presided over the ceremony. In his remarks,Grady emphasized AFRICOM’s role in advancing U.S. national security and strengthening defense relationships across Africa. He highlighted the importance of sustained U.S. efforts in regions such as the Horn of Africa,West Africa,and the Sahel.

Morocco’s participation in this U.S. military event sends a clear message that the Kingdom is a “reliable partner” and “one of the pillars of regional peace,security and stability.”

The new AFRICOM chief is a pilot with over 3,400 flight hours—including 738 in combat,assumed command during the ceremony. He brings experience in agile,intelligence-driven operations and joint force planning. His previous assignments include Director for Joint Force Development on the Joint Staff and leading Special Operations Command–Africa and Joint Task Force–Quartz.

General Langley took command in August 2022. During his tenure,AFRICOM focused on strengthening partner capacity,sharpening operational readiness,and enhancing interoperability with African and allied forces.

These efforts reinforced regional stability and positioned U.S. forces to respond rapidly to emerging threats. Langley also guided the command through a period of heightened global competition and regional turbulence with a steady emphasis on African-led approaches to security.

The Pentagon describes Morocco as a regional leader exporting security and economic development throughout the African continent. Morocco co-hosts with the US the annual African Lion exercise with the participation of several African & European countries and NATO.

This military exercise,the largest in Africa,not only strengthens multinational cooperation but also enhances readiness across all domains.