With America on the retreat all over Africa thanks to President Biden’s policies, the military is watching closely.
U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, the head of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently discussed the evolving security landscape in Africa, noting a significant increase in Islamic jihadist terrorist presence on the continent. In an exclusive interview, General Langley highlighted that the number of Islamic jihadists in Africa has surged from 4% of the global total in 2008 to 40% today.
General Langley also addressed the geopolitical influences in Africa, specifically pointing out the activities of China, Russia, and Iran. He expressed concerns over China’s ambitions in Africa, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting that China’s activities could extend beyond economic interests to military aspirations. He cited the Chinese military base in Djibouti as an example of China’s growing presence and potential strategic ambitions in Africa.
UPDATE: President @HassanSMohamud welcomes newly appointed U.S Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley together with General Michael E. Langley, Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) at @TheVillaSomalia in Mogadishu; they discussed Somalia-U.S. strategic security… pic.twitter.com/KQOlXIGjvH
— Goobjoog News (@GoobjoogMedia) June 22, 2024
Regarding Russia, Langley pointed out the increasing influence of Russian activities, especially from groups like the Wagner Group, across various African nations. He mentioned that these activities are often accompanied by disinformation campaigns aimed at positioning Russia as a preferred security partner in the region. This development follows the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a key figure associated with Wagner.
The general also briefly touched on Iran, noting ongoing vigilance regarding Iran’s activities in Africa, particularly in sectors like mining. There have been concerns about Iran’s involvement in uranium mining in Niger, which has implications for both peaceful nuclear power and potential nuclear weapons development.
President @HassanSMohamud welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, who presented his credentials. Alongside Riley, General Michael E. Langley of AFRICOM joined to discuss strategic security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts. pic.twitter.com/K3BZYkAuE4
— SONNA (@SONNALIVE) June 21, 2024
On the U.S. front, General Langley discussed the strategic military adjustments in response to various pressures, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger following demands from the country’s Russian-leaning military junta. He confirmed that U.S. personnel are set to leave two major bases in Niger by mid-July and mid-September, respectively, in line with an orderly and safe withdrawal strategy agreed upon with the Nigerien government.
Looking ahead, Langley emphasized a shift in U.S. military strategy in Africa, focusing on enhancing security cooperation, supporting security force assistance brigades, and strengthening state partnership programs. This strategy aims to support African-led security initiatives, reflecting a broader U.S. approach to address security challenges across the continent holistically.
Top US general says Islamic jihadist terrorism in Africa has soared tenfold over 26 years
https://t.co/m2mTEnK4Sm pic.twitter.com/XBhNblBISf
— Readean (@readeancom) June 24, 2024
General Langley is currently participating in the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Botswana, an event co-hosted by the U.S. and Botswana, involving military leaders from about 35 countries. This conference is part of his broader effort to listen to and collaborate with African partners to tackle the continent’s pressing security issues.
Key Points:
i. General Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), reported a significant increase in Islamic jihadist presence in Africa, with their numbers rising from 4% of the global total in 2008 to 40% today.
ii. He expressed concerns about China’s and Russia’s growing influence in Africa, noting China’s potential military ambitions beyond its economic pursuits through the Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s disinformation campaigns to secure strategic partnerships.
iii. Langley also noted the monitoring of Iran’s activities, particularly in uranium mining in Niger, which has potential implications for nuclear weapons production.
iv. The U.S. is adjusting its military strategy in Africa, focusing on security cooperation and partnership programs, following the required withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger by the local military junta.
v. Langley is attending the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Botswana, emphasizing a collaborative approach to addressing security challenges across the continent, highlighting the need for African-led solutions.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News