The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J.Austin III, said yesterday, August 9, 2022, at U.S. Africa Command’s Change of Command (AFRICOM) Ceremony that across the African continent, those who support democracy, freedom and the rule of law are battling the forces of tyranny, chaos and corruption, adding that we can sense these winds of change. The opposition in Tunisia, whose people inspired the world with their demands for democracy, considering that the Tunisian dream has become threatened, according to his description.

In this context, the U.S. Secretary added, that the United States is committed to supporting its friends in Tunisia - and anywhere in Africa - who seek to build open, accountable, and inclusive democracies. Elsewhere in Africa, democracy is under threat, and some leaders suppress civil liberties, succumb to corruption or stifle the will of the people. Some African armies have also expelled civilian governments.

The U.S. Defense Secretary also concluded that the military exists to serve its people - not the other way around. The armies must play their legitimate role. This means defending human rights and protecting the rule of law, not overthrowing civilian governments or indulging in corruption. This is especially important now, when autocracy is on the march around the world. This includes outsiders working to tighten their grip on the continent.