General Ham Press Conference

Invited journalists listen to General Ham (State Dept)

On July 24, 2012, during General Ham's two-day visit to Guinea, he made time to have a press conference with Guinean press, highlighting the willingness of military leaders to strengthen military-to-military relationships between Guinea and the U.S.  General Ham noted that his discussion with President Alpha Condé on the election process was very brief, but that both he and the President hope for safe, stable and secure elections.  In the realm of Security Sector Reform (SSR), General Ham stated clearly that AFRICOM is willing to assist SSR in Guinea and mentioned several areas that were designated during his meetings as areas were U.S. military assistance could be provided.  General Ham commented that though U.S. military personnel will not be present to address regional security challenges in Mali, the U.S. military supports ECOWAS’s leadership in Mali through financial and logistical means and is working with willing African partner nations to address other regional security threats.  He concluded by pledging that AFRICOM will continue to assist Guinea in building armed forces that operate within the rule of law, that contribute to regional security and that view themselves as protectors and servants of the country’s people.