United States Africa Command

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Sept. 15, 2026 

8th Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference Begins in Gabon 

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — U.S. Africa Command, in partnership with the Gabonese Armed Forces, officially commenced the Africa Senior Enlisted Leader Conference 2026 today. 

The multiday event brings together senior enlisted leaders from 26 African partner nations, the United States and NATO. The conference serves as the command’s premier forum for strengthening multinational partnerships, addressing shared security challenges and exchanging best practices on enlisted force development. 

The conference opened with the national anthems of Gabon and the U.S. followed by key addresses from Gen. Jean-Bedel Boucka, Chief of the General Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces, and a recorded message from Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command.

The event is co-led by Adjudant-Chef Guy Francois Ossinga Ossounda of the Gabonese Armed Forces and Command Sgt. Maj. Garric M. Banfield, U.S. Africa Command’s senior enlisted leader.

“The security challenges facing our continent require modern and professional armed forces capable of adapting to increasingly complex operational environments,” said Gen. Boucka. “We are convinced that developing a corps of competent, responsible and exemplary noncommissioned officers is one of the essential foundations for building modern armed forces capable of responding effectively to the security requirements of our states and to the legitimate aspirations of our populations.” 

Building on the successes of previous conferences, this year’s event in Gabon focuses on interoperability, dialogue and developing the noncommissioned officer corps across the continent. 

A central theme of the symposium is understanding meaningful enlisted development does not require expensive, resource-intensive programs. Instead, the focus is on investing in people by providing the right instruction, from the right instructors, at the right time. 

“I firmly believe the strongest and most enduring solutions are those developed and owned by the leaders closest to the challenges,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Banfield. “Through forums like this, we can share best practices and develop tailored, enduring security solutions that work for our forces.”

The opening day’s agenda centered on enhancing awareness of partner nations’ internal programs and strategic interests. Leaders engaged in discussions defining what success looks like for their respective enlisted corps and identifying common hurdles in NCO development. By prioritizing the exchange of ideas, the conference aims to build genuine, long-term trust. 

Last year’s event was held in Rabat, Morocco. The first conference was held in 2017.