Chairman Royce on the hearing: “Radical Islamist terrorists in Africa are waging a brutal war that threatens U.S. national security interests. The recent tragic deaths of four American soldiers in Niger was a sad reminder of the dangers involved. This hearing will provide an opportunity for members to examine counterterrorism efforts in Africa, the depth of the threats we face and the importance of continued U.S. engagement on the continent.”

Opening Statements

Full text of Chairman Ed Royce’s opening statement

Witnesses

The Honorable John J. Sullivan
Deputy Secretary
U.S. Department of State
[full text of statement]

The Honorable David J. Trachtenberg
Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
U.S. Department of Defense
[full text of statement]

____________________________

Hearing transcript (PDF)