DAKAR, Senegal - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Daniel Cederman, engaged with Senegalese senior military leaders, U.S. Department of State officials, and U.S. service members in late January as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professional military relationships and maintain close coordination with regional partners.

During the visit, Cederman, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), met with Senegalese army Gen. Mbaye Cissé, chief of the General Staff for Senegalese Armed Forces, and Senegalese air force Brig. Gen. El Hadji Niang, chief of staff for the Senegalese air force. Discussions focused on military-to-military cooperation, professional engagement and the importance of clear communication and coordination between partner forces.

Discussions Cederman held with State Department officials and U.S. military personnel in Senegal featured ongoing collaboration and the role of integrated diplomatic and military efforts in supporting shared objectives.

Cederman also attended a ceremony at Dial Diop Barracks recognizing Cissé's induction into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame, located in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This distinction honors international graduates who have reached senior leadership positions in their respective military organizations.

"Our relationship with the Senegalese Armed Forces is built on professionalism, mutual respect and consistent engagement," Cederman said. "Visits like this allow us to maintain open dialogue and strengthen the professional relationships that support effective cooperation between our forces."

Senegal is scheduled to participate in African Lion 2026, U.S. Africa Command's largest annual exercise, taking place April 20 to May 8, 2026, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. In addition to hosting a medical readiness exercise, Senegalese soldiers will participate in a combined forces exercise in Morocco as part of a broader multinational training event, supporting continued collaboration between U.S. forces and African partners.

Through visits like this, U.S. Army leaders reinforce trust, promote shared understanding and maintain strong professional ties with partner nations. These relationships support both countries' goals of developing capable, professional forces prepared to work together effectively through routine engagement, training and dialogue.

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About African Lion

U.S. Africa Command's premiere and largest annual joint and combined exercise, African Lion brings together thousands of military personnel across four countries to increase interoperability while strengthening shared defense capabilities and cooperation.

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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