Thornberry Returns from East Africa Tour

Washington, DC, March 29, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee returned today from a seven-day trip to oversee US military operations in East Africa. Thornberry stopped in Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Ethiopia; meeting with American service members, US military commanders, and local leaders including the Sudanese prime minister and the chief of staff of the Sudanese military. Returning to Washington, Thornberry commented on the missions and challenges faced by US forces:

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee returned today from a seven-day trip to oversee US military operations in East Africa. Thornberry stopped in Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Ethiopia; meeting with American service members, US military commanders, and local leaders including the Sudanese prime minister and the chief of staff of the Sudanese military. Returning to Washington, Thornberry commented on the missions and challenges faced by US forces:

"My strongest impression is of the outstanding Americans, often serving in difficult, remote places, keeping us safe. Hearing their ‘can-do' approach to tough situations is inspiring.

"We are making progress in the fight against the terrorist group al Shabaab. The question before us is whether we will take the next steps to degrade this threat or whether we are content to leave it simmering.

"The other thing that struck me is that there are a number of countries in this region that share our objectives and are eager to work with the United States. Unfortunately, too often we make it too hard to be a friend of the United States.

"Finally, I saw evidence of China stretching it's influence across the region. Anyone who believes that China is only concerned about the Indo-Pacific region is ignoring the clear evidence in Africa and elsewhere."