US military shifts messaging in Africa, tells allies to stand more on their own
TAN TAN: The US military is backing off its usual talk of good governance and countering insurgencies' underlying causes, instead leaning into a message that its fragile allies in Africa must be ready to stand more on their own.
At African Lion, its largest joint training exercise on the continent, that shift was clear: 'We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations,' Gen. Michael Langley said in an interview with The Associated Press.
'There needs to be some burden sharing," Langley, the US military's top official in Africa, said on Friday, the final day of the exercise.
For four weeks, troops from more than 40 countries rehearsed how to confront threats by air, land, and sea. They flew drones, simulated close-quarters combat and launched satellite-guided rockets in the desert.
Maneuvers mirrored previous editions of African Lion, now in its 25th year. But mostly gone now is language that emphasizes ideas the US once argued set it apart from Russia and China.
Messaging about the interwoven work of defense, diplomacy and development once formed the core of Washington's security pitch. In their place now are calls for helping allies build capacity to manage their own security, which Langley said was a priority for President Donald Trump's Defense Department.
'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 US support for Sudan.
The shift comes as the US military makes moves to "build a leaner, more lethal force,' including potentially cutting military leadership positions in places like Africa, where America's rivals continue to deepen their influence.
China has launched its own expansive training program for African militaries. Russian mercenaries are recalibrating and cementing their role as security partner of choice throughout North, West and Central Africa.
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