The Commander of the United States Africa Command (Africom) emphasized the importance of cooperation and consultation with African nations in addressing security challenges during a recent visit. General Michael Langley, who leads Africom, reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to working alongside African partners to foster stability, combat extremism, and enhance regional security across the continent.

Speaking at a summit with African military officials, General Langley underscored that the U.S. approach is not about imposing solutions but rather working collaboratively with African leaders. He stressed that Africom’s goal is to support Africa-led efforts, strengthening the capacity of local forces and building lasting partnerships through joint training, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping initiatives.

General Langley also acknowledged that Africa faces complex and evolving security threats, including terrorism, organized crime, and political instability. He highlighted the importance of African ownership in security operations, stating that lasting peace and security must be driven by African nations themselves, with external partners offering support where needed.
This renewed focus on cooperation aligns with the U.S.’s broader strategy to maintain influence on the continent and counter growing engagement from other global powers, including China and Russia. The U.S. remains committed to strengthening diplomatic and military ties with African countries, ensuring that African-led solutions are at the forefront of addressing the continent’s security challenges.

image source:defense.gov