Air Forces Africa officials visit Botswana, emphasize partnership

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jim Fisher
  • 17th Air Force
GABORONE, Botswana (AFNS) --  The 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa) commander and his staff visited for a senior leader engagement March 9 here.

This was the general's second visit to Gaborone since June 2009, when Botswana's relationship with AFAFRICA was firmly established. He met with Botswana Defence Force senior leaders to discuss aircraft maintenance training, supply and related issues, HIV/AIDs prevention, enlisted development and to get feedback on the series of engagements that have taken place since the first visit.

"Visiting is a vital part of maintaining a friendship," said Maj. Gen. Ron Ladnier, the AFAFRICA commander. "Botswana is a valued partner for Air Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command and it was important to take the time to catch up with our friends in the (Botswana Defence Force)."

In addition to renewing friendships with the BDF, AFAFRICA officials made spending time with U.S. ambassador to Botswana, Stephen J. Nolan, and the embassy team a top priority.

"This visit was not only a great example of partnership with (officials in) Botswana, but with our Department of State partners at the embassy," the general said.

"We always talk about the importance of listening and learning, and every senior leader engagement is based on that premise," General Ladnier said. "Now we have an established relationship with Botswana and the BDF, but that doesn't mean that we are done listening. My questions upon arrival are still 'how can we help? What can we work together on?' And also, 'how have our engagements worked out thus far?'"

Because AFAFRICA and U.S. Africa Command work in close coordination with the U.S. State Department when conducting engagements in Africa, the embassy was the group's first stop after arriving.

"The Department of State has the lead on foreign policy, not only in Africa, but around the world," General Ladnier said. "So it makes perfect sense that we consult with the embassies before we engage. We need to keep up to date with our colleagues at the embassies just as we do with our African partners. And chances are, whatever the air forces on the continent are telling us, they've already discussed in detail with the country team."

During the visit to Botswana, AFRICOM officials' cooperation with state officials was evident by the presence of AFAFRICA Foreign Policy Adviser Brent Bohne.

"My job is basically to listen to the views of the embassy and the State Department from the broader political perspective and bring these inputs to 17th Air Force's senior leadership, he said. "I also help an ambassador or embassy staff understand what we are about."

"Having an FPA on the trip shows the militaries we work with that civilian and military sides of government are more successful when they work together," Mr. Bohne said. "This can be a powerful example to countries where trust between civil and military authorities is not so well established."

Ambassador Nolan said the ongoing consultation has been effective since AFAFRICA began working with Botswana.

"We have been very appreciative of the assistance AFAFRICA is providing to the BDF," the ambassador said. "It has enhanced our efforts to help them continue to improve their capabilities. This is another way we can invest in Botswana. And it's a worthwhile investment because Botswana is a great country to partner with. They are an example of good governance and stability and our relationship and shared interests go back a long way."