The U.S. military is stepping up its support to African nations that share critical security interests, particularly in the face of a growing threat from terrorist organizations and China’s expanding influence across the continent.
In a recent telephonic press briefing, Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (Africom), updated reporters on security developments primarily in the Sahel region and reiterated the command’s commitment to fostering African-led solutions to contemporary security challenges.
“We are leaning into empowerment over dependency,” Langley stated.
According to him, the U.S. is vigorously supporting African militaries through focused training, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and assistance in building enduring institutions that can withstand future challenges.
This strategic pivot marks a significant evolution for Africom, which has been operational since 2008, as the organization now oversees U.S. military operations across 53 African nations.
Following shifts made during the latter part of the Biden administration and in alignment with former President Donald Trump’s vision of reducing the U.S. military footprint globally, Africom has been gradually scaling back its physical presence in certain regions.
Langley emphasized the importance of African nations taking the initiative, stating, “These conversations reaffirm something critical: African nations are not waiting to be saved. They’re stepping up to take control of their own futures.”
During the annual African Chiefs of Defense Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, Langley underscored discussions about matching technological capabilities to evolving threats, especially those posed by violent extremist organizations.
The focus is particularly on the information domain, with African nations keen to operate at a pace that can effectively manage and respond to threats.
Langley articulated the need for advanced capabilities to protect forces from asymmetric threats that terrorist groups might pose, including the use of unmanned aerial systems and drone technologies.
He mentioned that the conference enabled various countries to share their initiatives and explore collaboration opportunities in intelligence and information sharing.
As Africom transitions towards supporting self-sufficiency among its partners, it faces a competing influence from China, which Langley notes is trying to replicate U.S. military actions across Africa.
Alongside this, both China and Russia are gaining ground in African communities by offering immediate economic incentives, potentially threatening U.S. strategic interests in the continent’s future.
Langley pointed out that Africom’s primary strategic focus remains countering threats to the U.S. homeland from terrorist factions, particularly those operating in Africa.
He highlighted the Sahel region, specifically Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as areas of significant concern where terrorism is on the rise.
Langley described the Sahel as a flashpoint of conflict and instability, noting that terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and Al Qaeda are thriving, with Burkina Faso experiencing severe territorial control issues by its government.
Additionally, extremist groups have been expanding their influence across the Lake Chad region, with resurgent attacks noted.
“Throughout my travels across West Africa and through dialogue here at the conference, the concerns shared by my peers match my own,” Langley commented.
He emphasized that terrorists are seeking access to the West Coast of Africa, which would enable them to diversify their revenue streams and adapt their tactics more effectively, including exporting terrorism to U.S. shores.
Langley cited illicit activities, such as smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading, as revenue sources that fund terrorist efforts, thereby destabilizing the region.
He commended coastal partners like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin for their relentless efforts to combat these threats along their northern borders, assuring reporters that Africom will continue to support these nations.
According to Langley, some terror factions across Africa have experienced a fourfold increase since 2022.
In response to the escalating threats faced by its partners, Africom is advocating for increased burden-sharing among international allies outside Africa and is focused on addressing the underlying causes of terrorism and instability.
In a policy change initiated early in his second term, Trump empowered combatant commanders with broader authorities to swiftly take action against violent extremist organizations.
Langley recounted that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that his priority was to address ISIS, which has a global reach and aspirations that could threaten the U.S. homeland.
With the granted authorities, Africom has been able to execute operations aimed at degrading ISIS and deterring their activities effectively.
Langley concluded by reaffirming that the command’s strategy aligns with matching capabilities to the threats posed by these organizations, underscoring the dynamic landscape of security within Africa.
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