African air chiefs discuss progress, set expectations

by Tech. Sgt. Patrick Mitchell
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

9/12/2014 - DOUALA, Cameroon  -- The 4th Annual African Air Chiefs Symposium came to a close here Sept. 11.

"I think the conversations have been robust and they have been substantive, and in my opinion have been fruitful," said Lt. General Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander.

The attending African air chiefs drew continuity from past events to drive discussions throughout the week. The end goal was to create a charter that will help develop a way ahead for creating solutions to the issues discussed at the symposium.

"The common idea that the threats -- the current threats right now are very diverse and need to be addressed here collaboratively," said Maj. Gen. Kapuwani, Tanzanian air chief.

During Roberson's closing remarks with the air chiefs, he spoke about the varying levels of conversations at the symposium.

"This week we spoke strategically, operationally and tactically at the right times for the right conversations," Roberson said. "These details will be helpful as the program moves forward."

Roberson also thanked the air chiefs for their willingness to come together now and in the future, and for what each of the countries are doing to preserve peace and security.

"What we saw this week was a very robust, transparent discussion about peace and security in Africa from all of the countries involved. How air power can contribute to making that peace and security stronger," Roberson said.

Brig. Gen. Jean Calvin Momha, the air chief for Cameroon, wrapped up the closing remarks by passing responsibilities to the Mauritanian air force, which is scheduled to host the next symposium in 2015. Gen. Momha also discussed Cameroon's role in leading the event.

"We were asked to co-host this symposium -- we took it to heart because we thought it was the right thing to do," said Momha. "First of all because of our relationship with the U.S. and its air force, and more importantly for the relationships which we have with all other African countries."