Army's Major General Ralph Baker stripped of command amid sexual misconduct allegations

A US army general responsible for operations in east Africa has been stripped of his command amid reports of sexual misconduct, a Pentagon official confirmed on Friday.

Major General Ralph Baker, the commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, was relieved of his duties by the outgoing head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Carter F. Ham, on March 28.

Baker was replaced due to "misconduct that caused a loss of confidence in his ability to command," Pentagon spokesman Major Rob Firman said.

"As these allegations of misconduct remain under adjudication, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further," Firman said.

Firman's statement did not detail Baker's alleged misconduct.

However a Pentagon official speaking on condition of anonymity said reports indicating Baker lost his post because of alcohol and sexual misconduct allegations were accurate.

Baker is currently consigned to an administrative position in Washington pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation.

General Ham's decision came shortly before General David Rodriguez took over as AFRICOM commander on Friday.