DECEMBER 31, 2024 – U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) recently conducted a professional military exchange with the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic (FACA) from Dec. 3-7. This engagement, co-led by U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) Inspector General (IG) Col. Valentin Maldonado and SETAF-AF’s IG Lt. Col. Benjamin Barrett, aimed to strengthen military oversight, enhance readiness and promote transparency within military operations.
The exchange, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Bangui and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), provided a platform for discussions on topics ranging from the U.S. IG system and law of armed conflict (LOAC) to anti-corruption efforts and effective military governance.
“This exchange reflects our commitment to fostering transparency, accountability and professionalism,” Barrett said. “Through collaborative efforts like these, we can strengthen partnerships and build a foundation of trust that is critical for security and stability.”
The event marked a significant milestone for SETAF-AF, as it was the first time U.S. and Central African Republic (CAR) military leaders met to establish direct relationships. Discussions included key leaders from the CAR Ministry of Defense, the U.S. Embassy, and MINUSCA’s Security Sector Reform (SSR) division, creating an opportunity to share lessons learned and best practices.
“I would like to thank the Minister of Defence for giving us the time for this hearing. I am really proud to hold this military exchange between AFRICOM and the Office of the General Inspectorate of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) said Ms. Patricia Mahoney, U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic.
CAR Minister of Defense, Claude Rameaux Bireau, expressed gratitude for the engagement, highlighting its importance in improving military oversight and fostering collaboration between the U.S. and CAR.
“The CAR has very good relations with the United States. The Army inspectorate came to exchange experiences with the General Inspectorate of the National Army. Today, with an army of the world’s leading power, the General Inspectorate of the National Army will be inspired by the experience of an old army and I believe that it will improve its performance.” said Bireau.
SETAF-AF’s IG and Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) offices presented the U.S. Army’s IG model as a tool for maintaining good order and discipline, promoting trust and enhancing overall readiness. The SJA team, led by U.S. Army Capt. Charles Blanton, focused on LOAC, military investigations and the relationship between the IG and legal systems.
“We emphasized how the IG system can serve as a cornerstone for accountability,” Blanton noted. “By fostering cooperation between military oversight and legal systems, we can build a more transparent and effective defense framework.”
The exchange also provided a forum to address challenges unique to the CAR, including rebuilding military governance structures after years of conflict. Participants discussed the importance of leadership support in advancing reforms, with an emphasis on fostering cooperation between the IG and SJA offices to combat corruption and strengthen institutional trust.
The exchange included a series of discussions and meetings with stakeholders such as U.S. Ambassador Mahoney, CAR IG Gen. Bruno Izamo and MINUSCA’s SSR division led by Carole Baudoin. These interactions offered a holistic view of CAR’s military and governance challenges, as well as opportunities for future collaboration.
“This event has set the stage for further cooperation,” Barrett said. “It’s a step forward in aligning our efforts to enhance regional security and promote the rule of law.”
Future engagements are already being planned to build on the progress made during this exchange. Recommendations include extending the duration of future events to include regional partners such as Senegal and Rwanda, fostering a unified approach to military oversight and governance across Africa.
Izamo expressed optimism about the partnership, noting the potential for long-term benefits specific to CAR’s IG office, as well as throughout FACA and the region as a whole.
“This collaboration strengthens our ability to address internal challenges while aligning with international standards,” Izamo said.
About SETAF-AF
SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.
By Capt. Billy Lacroix