International Security & Counterterrorism | U.S.-Africa Policy | Author | APSA & ISA Presenter | Speaker & Educator
Washington, DC
Joined March 2014
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#African #security is global security. #Intelligence is strategic advantage. On 22 October, I’ll moderate a discussion on African security, intelligence, #diplomacy & #strategic agency at @GWtweets.
📍 GWU | 5–6 PM USA EST 🔗 lnkd.in/ehMZ8rb3
#Security #Intelligence
Pearl Matibe retweeted
This was a key difference between 2013 and 2024/2025, as the number of RDF troops more or less openly operating in the Eastern DRC in support of M23 was far higher this time around. They also deployed with mobile SAM systems, GPS-guided mortars, and drones.
Pearl Matibe retweeted
📣 Don’t miss our insightful webinar, "Press Freedom in America: A Status Update and Lessons from Abroad."
🔍 What is the current state of journalism?
Join us and learn about journalism’s connection to democracy and what happens when journalists are censored.
Our expert panellists, @PearlMatibe, Lily Mengesha, and @Laura_Weffer, will also share personal insights on cyberbullying and reporting in challenging environments.
📆 Date: October 8, 2026
🕙 Time: 10 AM EST
Register now: buff.ly/DuQscVt
Pearl Matibe retweeted
Why Nigeria’s Soldiers Went to Libreville premiumtimesng.com/news/head…
#Africa’s terror groups are upgrading—and tech is part of the toolkit. The threat is evolving. The response must too. Because at the end of the day,
“Security begets economic investment,” said Deputy Commander @USAfricaCommand, John Brennan.
Terror groups across Africa are expanding, leveraging technology – US AFRICOM chief
premiumtimesng.com/foreign/9…
Interagency.
In Stuttgart, Germany, @USAfricaCommand hosted more than 100 information & policy leaders from @DeptofWar & @StateDept for the inaugural Information Strategy Summit. Key focus areas included info planning, countering adversarial influence & leveraging modern AI tools.
Welcome to Libreville! Enlisted leaders from across the African continent have arrived in Gabon for the 2026 Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference (ASELC).
Stay tuned all week for daily updates, panels and insights!
#EnlistedLeadership #Gabon #Partnership #AFRICOM
“Preventing these potential attacks is our number one job, full stop.” — @USArmy Lt. Gen. John Brennan Jr., Deputy Commander @USAfricaCommand.
This strategic approach is worth watching; disrupting #terrorism groups so they don't "metastasize."
defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplo…
ALT US Army Lieutenant General John Brennan, U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander, and Kenya Defence Forces Chief, General Charle Kahariri. Photo Credit: U.S. Africa Command.
“The number of terrorist fighters, their lethality, their ability to leverage technology and resources is alarming in Africa, and they’re like water, they go the path of least resistance and expand where they are not under CT pressure.”
defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplo…
Pearl Matibe retweeted
The countdown is almost over. Tomorrow, #GSTPV2026 begins.
Over two days at Ground Zero, leaders and experts will reflect on 25 years of #counterterrorism – and examine the evolving threats shaping global security.
👉 Follow our page for insights and highlights.
#September11
My article, “World-Ready Political Science Graduates: A 21st-Century Capstone Model,” now published in the Journal of Political Science Education by @tandfonline. It argues capstones can better develop career-ready, adaptable graduates. #PoliticalScience
doi.org/10.1080/15512169.202…
Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Ambassadors to the United States met with @AsstSecStateAF.
.@DeputySecState Landau and Assistant Secretary Garcia welcomed today the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Ambassadors to the United States - Burkinabè Amb. Kassoum Coulibaly, Malian Amb. Sekou Berthe, and Nigerien Amb. Clemence Bare - to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with the AES based on respect for sovereignty and advancing mutual interests.
#Côte d'Ivoire | “From my years of travel across the continent, I have seen the amazing partnerships that develop as a result of SPP.” - Frank W. Garcia Jr., @AsstSecStateAF @StateDept
@USNationalGuard
@USAfricaCommand
A/S Garcia was pleased to participate in the Pennsylvania National Guard-Côte d'Ivoire State Partnership Program (SPP) signing ceremony. The SPP combines diplomacy and military cooperation to create opportunities for soldiers, airmen, government officials, emergency managers, educators, and business leaders to build relationships that last for decades. “From my years of travel across the continent, I have seen the amazing partnerships that develop as a result of SPP.” -FWG
Two #Africa bills advanced at the June 17 @SenateForeign Relations Committee—carrying strategic weight.
➡️S.4726—PEACE in Sudan Act (Risch, Coons): Sharper posture on #Sudan
➡️S.4577—U.S.–Tanzania Bilateral Relationship Act (Cruz, Shaheen): Washington is rethinking engagement
Under Chairman Risch, @SenateForeign moved two important Africa bills yesterday: one on Sudan, one on Tanzania. Neither is perfect. Both matter. They set real markers for the policy fights ahead.
- S.4726 - PEACE in Sudan Act of 2026 (Risch, Coons)
- S.4577 - Reassessing the United States-Tanzania Bilateral Relationship Act (Cruz, Shaheen)
Pearl Matibe retweeted
New Bureau of African Affairs Assistant Secretary Frank Garcia enjoyed meeting the African diplomatic corps. He thanked African chiefs of mission for the warm welcome and spoke about advancing our mutual interests in peace and prosperity to keep America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
Pearl Matibe retweeted
SECRETARY RUBIO: "On Nigeria, where many were very concerned about violence against Christians, we are now actively in counterterrorism cooperation with the Nigerian government and Nigerian security forces."
Garcia's tenure begins.
The Bureau of African Affairs is pleased to welcome Frank Garcia as our new Assistant Secretary! He brings deep expertise on Africa and looks forward to advancing the Trump Administration’s commercial diplomacy objectives and mutually beneficial partnerships for the American people and peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa. 🎉
Pearl Matibe retweeted
Grateful for the opportunity to join @NEDemocracy and excited for this next chapter.
NEWS: @NEDemocracy is pleased to announce that John “JT” Tomaszewski will join the organization as Senior Director for Africa.
JT brings more than two decades of experience in U.S.-Africa relations, democracy support, and congressional oversight, including leadership roles at @IRIglobal and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His deep regional expertise and commitment to democratic resilience will strengthen NED’s work at a critical moment for freedom across Africa.
Read more: ned.org/john-tomaszewski-joi…
Pearl Matibe retweeted
Building upon the U.S. – Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap established in Jan, the Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups have begun in Abuja. Together we are standing united in our cooperative efforts to address terrorism, insecurity & regional instability.
PRESS RELEASE
NIGERIA AND UNITED STATES INAUGURATE DEFENCE WORKING GROUPS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY COOPERATION
Nigeria and the United States of America have inaugurated the Defence Institutional Technical Working Groups (DITWGs) in Abuja under the 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap, reinforcing collaborative efforts to address terrorism, insecurity and regional instability.
Speaking at the event, the head of the US delegation Mr. Cate Dave averred that the initiative supports strategic planning aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and denying terrorists safe havens. He emphasised the link between institutional development and effective counterterrorism operations.
On his part, the team leader of the Nigerian delegation, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, highlighted the importance of the partnership in tackling evolving security threats across Nigeria and the broader region. He noted that priorities include support to strengthen warfighting capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and sharpen its responsiveness to ultimately restore enduring peace and normalcy across Nigeria.
Both sides stressed the need for practical outcomes, accountability and sustained collaboration to enhance security and regional stability.
SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director Defence Information
5 May 2026
