Tan Tan, Morocco (AP) – The US military has shifted focus from traditional discussions about governance and addressing the root causes of rebellion to prioritizing its vulnerable allies. Africa is encouraged to be self-sufficient.
During the African Lion exercise, the continent’s largest joint military training, this change was evident. “We must equip our partners to function independently,” stated General Michael Langley in an interview with the Associated Press.
“Some responsibilities need to be shared,” Langley, the top US military official in Africa, conveyed on Friday, the last day of the exercise.
For four weeks, troops from over 40 nations practiced various tactics to address aerial, terrestrial, and maritime threats. They operated drones, simulated quarterly combat, and fired satellite-guided munitions in the desert.
This operation mirrors the previous iterations of African Lion, now in its 21st year. However, the discourse emphasizing concepts distinct from those of Russia and China has diminished.
The narrative surrounding defense, diplomacy, and development, which once formed the foundation of Washington’s security strategy, has shifted towards empowering allies in managing their security. According to Langley, this was a priority during President Donald Trump’s tenure at the Department of Defense.
“We are currently prioritizing the safety of our own communities while seeking out other nations willing to assist in addressing areas of global instability,” he stated, specifically mentioning US support for Sudan.
This transformation accompanies the US military’s intent to shift to “more streamlined, effective forces,” including potential reductions in military leadership roles. In Africa, American adversaries continue to strengthen their influence.
China has initiated an extensive training program for African militaries, while Russian mercenaries have consolidated their roles as preferred security partners across North, West, and Central Africa.
In a prior interview, Langley emphasized what US military officials have termed an “all-government approach” to addressing uprisings. He defended the US strategy, claiming that military might alone cannot stabilize fragile states or safeguard US interests from potential violence cascading outward.
“I have consistently stated that Africa cannot merely be seen as a military issue,” Langley remarked last year, noting that good governance is critical for addressing many threats, such as desertification.
Although the “whole government approach” holds less prominence in the US narrative today, Langley mentioned that efforts are progressing in nations like Ivory Coast, where development integrated with defense has led to a decrease in jihadist attacks near its unstable northern border.
Nevertheless, such achievements are not universally replicable.
“I’ve witnessed progress, but I have also seen setbacks,” commented Langley, who is due to conclude his post later this year.
As the US withdraws, rebellion gains ground
The US military’s new posture arises despite the limited resources available to many African forces amid a surge in rebel activity.
“We recognize Africa as a focal point for both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State,” stated the US Secretary of Defense earlier this month, highlighting the growth of regional affiliates and a transfer of leadership and operations to Africa. The official spoke anonymously due to a lack of authorization to publicly discuss the matter.
Although Africa rarely ranks highly on the Pentagon’s agenda, the US continues to invest hundreds of millions in security assistance, with approximately 6,500 African commanders stationed on the continent. In some areas, the US competes directly with Russia and China; in others, it faces threats from al-Qaeda and IS that require immediate military intervention, as expressed by Langley.
The shift in messaging from an “all-government” approach to one focused on shared obligations comes amid increasing concerns that rising violence could expand influence, potentially reaching beyond areas where power vacuums have emerged.
Areas in both East and West Africa have become epicenters of violence. In 2024, over half of all global terrorism victims were reported in West Africa’s Sahel, a vast desert region under junta rule, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace, which compiles annual terrorist statistics. Somalia accounted for 6% of all terrorism-related fatalities and remains one of the deadliest regions in Africa outside the Sahel.
Since Trump took office, the US military has intensified airstrikes in Somalia targeting al-Shabab operatives. Yet, even with air support, Langley acknowledged that Somali forces struggle to maintain safety on the ground.
“The Somali army is attempting to navigate its path,” Langley noted. “Certain resources are still crucial for effective battlefield operations.”
Similarly, in West Africa, the notion that states can quickly develop the capacity to counter these threats seems far off, according to Beverly Ochien, an analyst at Control Risk, a security consultancy. Even before Western influence waned in the Sahel, essential military support was limited, leaving local forces under-equipped to address persistent threats.
Western nations in the Sahel are gradually reducing their engagements, whether by choice or due to being ousted by increasingly hostile governments.
“Many of these states lack a strong air force and cannot effectively monitor militant movements, especially in regions where terrain is challenging and infrastructure is underdeveloped.”
Source: apnews.com