Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher P. Maier's Visit to AFRICOM

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher P. Maier's Visit to AFRICOM Dec. 16, 2024 Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Bryon McGarry provided the following readout: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Christopher P. Maier hosted the Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) Coalition Political-Military Consultations (PMC) at U.S. Africa Command Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 10. Representatives from 24 member nations of the defense component of the Coalition reinforced the commitment of all partners to maintaining regional stability and security, showcasing the strength of unity and cooperation in facing shared challenges. The meeting, initially scheduled as a follow-up to implement decisions made at the Coalition Defense Ministers' meeting in Brussels in mid-October, also enabled Coalition partners to review and discuss the evolving situation in Syria. Key discussions centered around how these developments might impact collective efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. "Our longstanding and trusted relationships with Coalition partners, and our ongoing communication with one another, help us collectively navigate rapidly changing dynamics in the region," said W. Alan Matney, U.S. Defense Coordinator for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. "This meeting provided a timely opportunity for Coalition partners to discuss the situation in Syria and determine how it is likely to impact our work to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS." This PMC highlighted the continued pressure exerted by the Coalition on a global scale. The discussions addressed how ongoing communication and collaboration are vital in navigating rapidly changing dynamics in the region with a growing focus on West Africa, a priority highlighted during NATO discussions in October. The situation in Syria introduces new dynamics to the Coalition's efforts, creating both challenges and opportunities to prevent a resurgence of ISIS. Senior defense leaders emphasized the importance of recurring engagements to maintain close communication in this dynamic environment. The PMC also focused on adapting the Coalition's defense component to support civilian-led efforts against ISIS affiliates. Members reiterated the importance of whole-of-government approaches, with multilateral participation from experts in law enforcement, border security, and stabilization. This collaborative framework positions the Coalition to effectively counter ISIS affiliates while emphasizing regional leadership in addressing localized threats. Moreover, Coalition members emphasized that regional efforts must be led by local partners, who have the best insights into ISIS affiliates and how to counter them effectively. Much of the discussion centered on strategies for engaging and supporting these partners. Finally, the exceptionally close relationships of trust and respect among Coalition partners, built over more than a decade of unprecedented accomplishments, remain a foundational strategic asset. ISIS seeks to exploit the vulnerabilities of individual governments—a challenge best countered through collective action. The Coalition's unique ability to pool resources and apply them strategically has been central to its enduring success.

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