NAIROBI, Kenya — U.S. Africa Command is working to help African nations build the capacity to defend themselves against terrorism and insurgencies, the command’s top officer said Wednesday.
“Alliances like this represent peace through strength,” said Marine Gen. Michael Langley, commander of Africom.
Langley spoke at the close of the African Chiefs of Defense Conference, co-hosted by the U.S. and Kenya. The two-day event brought together military leaders from 37 African nations.
A key objective of Africom, Langley said, is encouraging African countries to share more of the burden for their own defense.
“It’s about investing in Africa’s ability to solve African problems, and it’s about recognizing that a safe, stable and prosperous Africa is not a charitable goal,” he said. “It is a strategic necessity for the United States and our African partners.”
The U.S. is supporting African militaries with training programs, intelligence sharing and the development of enduring institutions, Langley said.
Terror threat expanding
Langley described growing instability in Africa’s Sahel region — particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger — as the “world’s epicenter of terrorism.” He warned that terrorist groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda are gaining strength and territory.
“In Burkina Faso, the government no longer controls large parts of its territory,” he said. “Attacks are also resurging in the Lake Chad region.”
Langley said extremist networks are seeking access to Africa’s west coast as a strategic move to expand their reach.
“If they gain access to the vast coastline, they can diversify their revenue streams and evolve their tactics, more easily exporting terrorism to American shores,” he said.
The groups are involved in illicit activities including arms trafficking, human smuggling and organized crime, he added.
Countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin are under growing pressure to contain militants along their northern borders.
“Africom has and will continue to support them,” Langley said.
China’s role, U.S. strategy
In addition to security threats, Langley criticized China’s engagement in Africa, saying it prioritizes resource access over long-term development.
“China continues to pursue short-term economic gains across Africa at the expense of its people,” he said.
By contrast, Langley said, the U.S. is shifting toward a trade-focused foreign policy aimed at fostering private-sector investment through security.
“We know that security and trade are inextricably linked,” he said. “There is no economic development without safety, and safe environments encourage private-sector investment. Africom’s role is vital to enabling that environment, not just for African nations, but for the prosperity and security of Americans as well.”
