US Africa Command chief Gen. Michael Langley has called on fragile African states to take greater security ownership.
Analysts interpret this move as part of a broader shift in the Trump administration’s defense strategy, which emphasizes homeland security and a reduced overseas military presence.
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The US also recently announced that they are ending their military presence in Africa ending its service in countries like Niger and Sudan.
During the African Lion exercise, which is the largest joint training event on the continent, the need for a strategic shift became evident.
Marine General Michael Langley stated in an interview with the Associated Press, “We need to ensure our partners reach a level of independent operations.”
“We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we’re also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas,” he said, referencing U.S. support for Sudan.
This comment comes as Russia and China continue to establish their military presence in Africa region, eliminating the US in the process.
Russian mercenaries are solidifying their position as the preferred security partner across North, West, and Central Africa.
Russia has expanded its presence through the Wagner Group, now known as the Africa Corps, providing security support and resource access in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan.
African nations are now increasingly turning to Moscow for rapid security assistance, often viewing it as less intrusive than Western demands for democratic reforms.
China has initiated a comprehensive training program for African militaries. China, through its Belt and Road Initiative, has invested over $182 billion in loans across 53 African nations since 2001.