DECEMBER 12, 2025 – Silent Warrior 2025 took place Dec. 8-11, gathering leaders of senior special operations forces from over 40 nations to address the complex and evolving security landscape across the African continent.
Co-hosted by Kenyan Special Operations Forces Command and U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, this year’s symposium underscores a shared commitment to responding to shared threats and building African-led solutions.
“The nexus between violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime, social economic vulnerabilities, emerging technologies in warfare and hybrid threats demands us to collaborate more deeply,” said Kenyan Lt. Gen. John M. Omenda, vice chief of defence forces. “We recognize that no nation can secure itself in isolation and therefore remain committed to building strong bonds with the rest of the world in pursuit of a common goal for peace and prosperity.”
Hosted for the second time on the African continent and for the first time with industry inclusion, attendees engaged in sessions to help build information-driven, interoperable strategies anchored in shared purpose. Sessions will integrate each nation’s experience with critical topics like the emergence of artificial intelligence, the expanding role of drones and cyber, and how to adapt and develop operators at the speed of these evolving threats.
“The real center of gravity in special operations is the warfighter — the mind, the body, the discipline, the creativity and the courage,” said U.S. Embassy in Kenya Chargé d’Affaires Susan M. Burns. “Silent Warrior reflects what is best in our relationship: seriousness of purpose, shared sacrifice and a commitment to a more secure future for all our people.”
With a key goal to strengthen relationships and improve readiness throughout the week, leaders will return to their nations better equipped to plan and execute operations.
“Let us remember that our adversaries are constantly evolving and so must we; our unity and collaboration remain the most effective counterbalance,” Omenda said. “This is because when special operations forces across the world collaborate, it becomes a force multiplier, sending a clear message to any adversary anywhere that there is no vacuum across borders.”
SOCAFRICA remains dedicated to building enduring partnerships and strengthening a network of African and international SOF partners for mutual benefit through events like Silent Warrior. For more information on SOCAFRICA, visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/SOCAFRICA or www.X.com/ussocafrica.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
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By Staff Sgt. Trenton Jancze