WASHINGTON — U.S. Africa Command’s evolving strategy prioritizes counterterrorism, partnerships, and protecting the American homeland, Africom’s top general said, outlining a renewed focus on burden sharing with African allies.
“Our approach is aligned with the National Defense Strategy and guidance from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth,” Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of Africom, said during an interview at the Pentagon on Wednesday.
Langley emphasized that the top priority is countering terrorists with the potential to strike the United States. “We’re focused on threats that are transnational, that have the ability and the intent to reach our shores,” he said.
A second strategic focus is confronting China’s growing military influence across Africa. “There are many shared interests globally on the continent, and we’re working with like-minded nations to pursue mutual goals,” Langley added.
He underscored the need for African-led security efforts, with the U.S. playing a supporting role.
“We need to do a sharing of the burden in providing stability and security on the African continent with our African partners as well as allies,” Langley said. “It’s about empowering African solutions to African challenges.”
The general encouraged increased cooperation among African nations—both bilaterally and multilaterally—to combat terrorism, especially in the Maghreb region, which faces heightened threats from violent extremism and mass migration.
Langley also pointed to the strategic importance of maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, and the Bab el-Mandab Strait. “Protecting these corridors is vital for global trade and freedom of navigation,” he said.
He praised the National Guard State Partnership Program, which links U.S. state National Guards with foreign militaries, including more than two dozen in Africa. “There’s nothing that compares to the State Partnership Program,” Langley said. “They’re building institutional capacity and deepening partnerships through training and exercises. Competitors can’t match that.”
Langley noted that several African nations have expressed interest in joining the program, which currently connects U.S. Guard units with 60% of the world’s countries.
While there have been signs of progress in parts of the continent, Langley acknowledged deep concerns in regions plagued by ongoing violence.
“Conflicts and terrorist activities in Sudan, the DRC, Mozambique, Somalia, and across the Sahel remain alarming,” he said.
Langley stressed that military efforts must be paired with diplomacy, noting the active role of regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community.
“Ultimately, it’s diplomatic engagement and African leadership that will bring lasting stability,” he said.
