Latest news with #MichaelLangley
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Africom's demotion sends a signal: Africa must buckle up
US Gen. Michael Langley's blunt declaration at the African Lion 2025 military exercise — 'There needs to be some burden sharing' — resonates less as a strategic evolution and more as polite euphemism for irreversible US retrenchment in Africa. It marks a discernible shift away from the usual rhetoric of good governance and counters the underlying causes of insurgency that defined past US engagement. Instead, Washington is now signaling that its fragile African allies must prepare to stand more on their own. This is not merely a tactical adjustment; it is perhaps the opening salvo in a potential dismantling of the US Africa Command, an institution born in 2008 to symbolize Africa's rising strategic importance. A leaked Pentagon briefing, contemplating Africom's merger back into European Command as a subordinate three-star billet, exposes the core driver: fiscal parsimony disguised as strategic realignment. After all, the projected savings represent a minuscule 0.03 percent of the Pentagon's nearly $900 billion annual budget, leading to one retired general's wry assessment that dismissed the proposed 'merger' as mere cost-cutting rather than well-conceived strategic maneuvering. Strangely, the move contradicts the administration's almost simultaneous escalation of kinetic operations — from loosened airstrike rules in Somalia to expanded combat authorities — revealing a preference for lethal action divorced from the holistic planning a dedicated command is almost always required to provide. On the surface, this bizarre posture does not suggest outright disengagement, as alarmists would have us believe, but a cheaper, more fragmented, and ultimately less effective militarization. 'Burden sharing,' therefore, appears less a call for equitable partnership and more a precursor to transactional disengagement. The underlying calculus seems worryingly mercenary — that is, for African countries to expect enduring US security investments, Washington must first be assured of demonstrable, immediate returns. Of course, this introduces a whole host of questions. Will potential host nations even agree to foot the bill for bases? Will access to critical minerals such as cobalt — vital for batteries, with 70 percent of global supply coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo — be guaranteed on favorable terms? Favorable to whom? Will US energy firms secure priority contracts? Langley's oblique reference to US support for Sudan, in further comments, hints at this new 'quid pro quo' expectation. Moreover, the systematic dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development and other soft power initiatives under previous budgets leaves the military as the primary, blunt instrument of influence, now wielded with an eye firmly on the balance sheet. This is not multilateralism but rugged transactionalism, where security partnerships exist only if they yield direct, tangible economic or strategic profit that exceeds the cost of deployment. For now, however, the bureaucratic inertia favoring Africom's survival remains formidable. Congressional Armed Services Committee chairs issued an immediate rebuke of any plans to dismantle the institution, declaring combatant commands the tip of the American warfighting spear and vowing to block unilateral changes lacking rigorous process. Their control over the defense budget and security assistance programs grants them significant leverage. But it is unclear whether that will be sufficient to dissuade an administration convinced that a rather different set of rules are now at play across the African continent. For African countries to expect enduring US security investments, Washington must first be assured of demonstrable, immediate returns. Hafed Al-Ghwell Regardless, CASC lawmakers do have a point. The proposed demotion of Africom from a four-star combatant command to a three-star entity under European Command constitutes far more than an organizational reshuffle. It represents a deliberate degradation of Africa's institutional standing within the Pentagon's hierarchy, with profound implications for how US security policy toward the continent is formulated and prioritized. After all, the bureaucratic architecture of the US military assigns immense weight to the rank and position of its commanders. A four-star combatant commander occupies one of only 41 such positions across the entire US military — a rarefied stratum granting direct, unfiltered access to the defense secretary and the president. This constitutes a critical 'action channel,' a formal pathway enabling the commander to shape policy debates, advocate for resources, and present Africa-centric security assessments at the apex of national security decision-making. Removing this four-star billet effectively mutes Africa's dedicated advocate in the rooms where global priorities are set and resources allocated. A three-star deputy, nested within EUCOM's bureaucracy and reporting through a superior focused primarily on European and transatlantic security concerns, simply lacks the equivalent rank, prestige, and direct access necessary to ensure Africa's complex challenges receive commensurate high-level attention, especially when competing against demands from regions such as Ukraine or the Indo-Pacific. However, Africom's toehold on the continent, though opaque, has only become more vulnerable in recent years. The expulsion from Agadez and Niamey, two critical drone bases in Niger with more than 1,100 personnel, crippled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities across the Sahel. This leaves Chabelley airport in Djibouti — supporting perhaps 4,000 troops and a squadron of MQ-9 Reaper drones — as the sole publicly confirmed, persistent drone hub. Estimates of total Africom personnel fluctuate wildly due to rotational deployments and classified sites, but credible assessments suggest fewer than 5,000–10,000 troops continent-wide at any time, concentrated heavily in Djibouti and Somalia. This scattering across what are known as 'Cooperative Security Locations' and 'Contingency Locations,' potentially two dozen sites with 100-200 troops each, creates persistent entanglement risks. Furthermore, sustaining such a diffuse, vulnerable presence has become politically unsustainable given the lack of clear, publicly defensible victories against resilient groups such as Al-Shabab or Daesh affiliates flourishing in post-Qaddafi Libya and parts of the Sahel. Yet, the confluence is undeniable. The demand for allies to shoulder more risk coincides with a push to downgrade the command structure advocating for sustained engagement, all while expanding kinetic operations on the cheap. Thus, the 'end' of Africom as an independent entity is plausible, even likely — blamed on budgetary scalpels, but mostly due to being a casualty of a transactional worldview. However, this does not in any way signify a total demilitarization of US policy in Africa. Rather, it heralds a more incoherent, reactive, and narrowly self-interested era — and Africa had better buckle up. Military force would remain an option, perhaps even the default option in the absence of robust non-kinetic tools, but planned and executed with less expertise, less consistent oversight, and less regard for long-term stability. Africa, in this emerging era, risks becoming a theater for opportunistic strikes and extractive deals, its complex challenges reduced to a ledger of costs and immediate benefits — a far cry from the 'smart power' aspirations that accompanied Africom's founding.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Little-known region now 'epicentre of terrorism' and poses threat to the West
A US general has sent a stark warning about a part of the world he has dubbed the 'epicentre of terrorism' as he says several 'thriving' groups could pose a threat to the West A little-known region of the world is becoming the "the epicentre of terrorism" as several groups are "thriving" in the area, a top army general has warned. US Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley warned that the Sahel region of western Africa, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, was becoming a hub for danger in the region but militant groups there could also pose a threat to the West, he told the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Kenya. Langley, who heads US Africa Command, said the three nations were "in crisis" as these groups continue to grow and work with larger terror organisations in other continents. He also warned that one of these countries was particularly in trouble. Some groups in the area are aligned with well known militant organisations, such as ISIS-Sahel and al Qaeda-adjacent Jama'at Nusrat ul Islam wa al Muslimin (JNIM). The general said: "The terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida are thriving, particularly in Burkina Faso, where the government has lost control of wide swaths of territory across their sovereign nation. Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region as well, and extremist groups are growing more aggressive." Langley also said these militants had set their sights on expanding westward to Africa's coast, warning that it could give them easier access to the US. He said this could risk the groups becoming stronger as it would open up more illegal routes to make money. The general added: "If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the US shores." Langley pointed out that the US was particularly concerned about the JNIM militant group, which has grown "fourfold" since 2022, saying it "could have the capacity to attack the homeland". The general added that the US had withdrawn it's troops from Niger in 2024 and claimed his country had not been able to closely follow terror activity there. The US had used Niger as its main base to monitor Jihadist groups in the area, but two countries reached a "disengagement" agreement in May 2024. The military junta, which seized control of the nation in 2023, had already kicked out French troops, and has appeared to build ties with Russia. He said: "Unfortunately, with our withdrawal from the region, we have lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely but continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can." Langley even said that attacks by extremist and terror groups in the area have increased since the US has withdrawn from the area. He warned: "The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are really troubling."
Business Insider
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
China replicating U.S. military model in Africa as American presence declines
A senior U.S. military commander in Africa has issued a warning, cautioning that China is actively seeking to replicate nearly every aspect of U.S. military assistance on the continent, as Washington scales back its direct involvement. China is replicating U.S. military engagement tactics in Africa as the U.S. reduces its involvement. General Langley highlighted China's strategic military ties with African nations, modeling programs on U.S. methods. Global rivals like China and Russia are filling gaps left by reduced U.S. presence, increasing their influence in the region. China has significantly expanded its footprint in countries such as Tanzania, Djibouti, and the Central African Republic, with its military academies now training an increasing number of African officers. General Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), warned that China's programs are deliberately modeled on established U.S. engagement strategies, which could further disadvantage Washington if it scales back its military presence on the continent, particularly as countries increasingly lean towards Beijing and Moscow " They're trying to replicate what we do best, especially in education and joint training," Langley said. " It's not just competition — it's duplication." He added, highlighting China's swift efforts to win over African militaries through deepened defense ties and alternative partnerships that are increasingly attractive, especially to governments sidelined by U.S. sanctions or aid freezes. ' They even put on joint exercises in Tanzania this fall, styled just like ours. ' He said. Langley however advised African governments to voice their support for AFRICOM's continued presence through diplomatic channels. He said: "If we're important to you, make your voice heard in Washington, ' Recall that General Michael Langley, while addressing military leaders from over 30 nations at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, stated that the U.S. is shifting its approach from providing extensive military aid to empowering African self-reliance, with the goal of enabling Africa to " do more for itself." ' Our aim is not to serve as a permanent crutch, but to achieve US security objectives that overlap with our partners. We should be able to help African nations build the self-reliance they need to independently confront terrorism and insurgencies,' he said. However, he noted that the State Department, in the process of absorbing USAID, is currently evaluating which aid programs to keep, acknowledging that some programs are "really helpful" to US military stability operations. U.S. rethinks AFRICOM's future Langley's remarks coincided with reports that the U.S. is considering merging AFRICOM into European Command as a cost-cutting measure. Established in 2008 to centralize U.S. military efforts in Africa, AFRICOM has played a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations and partnership-building initiatives. Even as Washington called on African nations to take more responsibility for their own security, global rivals are moving to fill the gap. Langley described the Sahel region as the " epicenter" of global terrorism, noting that: "terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al Qaeda are thriving there, particularly in Burkina Faso, where the government no longer controls vast parts of its own territory." The threat also includes Mali and Niger, where a wave of military coups has strained U.S. relations, and groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS have surged in strength. Some, like Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), have quadrupled in size since 2022. He said 'They could soon have the capacity to attack the U.S. homeland,' 'And if they gain access to the West African coastline, they'll diversify revenue and evolve tactics. ' He added. The recalibration of U.S. engagement is already reshaping alliances. In Niger, the ruling junta ordered U.S. forces to withdraw from a $100 million drone base last year. Although the U.S. still maintains limited intelligence-sharing with the Sahel region, its full-spectrum military support has significantly diminished. Meanwhile, Russia has strengthened its ties with several African juntas, offering security support in exchange for access to minerals and political influence. At the same time, insurgent groups like al-Shabaab in Somalia are capitalizing on aid reductions to portray the West as unreliable. Despite these developments, Langley reassured that the U.S. is not abandoning Africa. Airstrikes, intelligence efforts, and military education programs continue, albeit increasingly framed as support for African-led initiatives rather than permanent interventions ' We're not here to dominate or dictate, ' Langley said.
Business Insider
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
U.S. Africa Command declares Sahel ‘global terrorism epicenter'
The top U.S. military commander leading AFRICOM in Africa has issued a stark warning about the rapid expansion of terrorist groups in the Sahel region. The Sahel region in Africa has become a critical hotspot for global terrorism, according to U.S. AFRICOM commander General Michael Langley. AFRICOM emphasizes enhanced cooperation with African nations to address these threats through intelligence sharing and capacity building. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated organizations are significantly expanding in the region, posing severe security challenges. On May 30, Marine Corps General Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), declared the Sahel the 'epicenter of terrorism on the globe.' U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley made the disclosure during a digital press briefing at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, Africa's premier forum for military leaders to address key security challenges across the continent. He highlighted a worsening security crisis that threatens not only the affected African countries but also poses potential risks to global security, including the United States. General Langley described the Sahel, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as a 'flashpoint of prolonged conflict and growing instability.' Terrorist organizations affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS have expanded significantly in recent years. According to Langley, groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin have grown substantially since 2022, spreading across multiple areas within the region. The security situation in Burkina Faso is especially alarming. General Langley noted that the Burkinabe government no longer maintains effective control over large parts of its territory, illustrating the depth of the crisis. More troubling still, Langley warned that these terrorist groups are seeking to extend their reach into West Africa's coastal countries, including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin. If they succeed, these groups could increase their revenues through illicit activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. There is also concern that these coastal areas could serve as platforms to launch attacks beyond Africa, potentially threatening U.S. homeland security. ' We are monitoring this closely because they could develop the capacity to threaten the homeland, ' Langley said. AFRICOM lists challenges in Africa The briefing also acknowledged the challenges AFRICOM faces following the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Niger after the military coup in 2023. This withdrawal has limited the U.S. military's ability to track terrorist activity and conduct counterterrorism operations in the region. In response, AFRICOM is shifting its focus toward supporting African nations to assume greater responsibility for their security. This strategy involves enhanced intelligence sharing, leveraging new technologies, and strengthening regional cooperation. General Langley's warning reflects the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel, where terrorist groups are exploiting weak governance, poverty, and ongoing conflicts to increase their influence. His message serves as a call to action for African countries and their international partners to work together urgently to address these threats. As these groups become stronger and more ambitious, the danger extends beyond Africa's borders, reinforcing the Sahel's emergence as a global terrorism hotspot. Coordinated efforts are crucial to safeguard peace and security not just in Africa but worldwide.
New York Post
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Terror networks ‘thriving' in Africa — could pose threat to US, top general warns: ‘Growing more aggressive'
The top US general in Africa warned Friday that terror groups in the Sahel region are 'thriving' and may eventually pose a threat to the homeland. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley described the Sahel region, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as 'the epicenter of terrorism' in a press briefing at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. 'They're in crisis,' Langley, who heads US Africa Command, said of the three central African nations. Advertisement 'The terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida are thriving, particularly in Burkina Faso, where the government has lost control of wide swaths of territory across their sovereign nation,' the general continued. 'Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region as well, and extremist groups are growing more aggressive.' Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of US Africa Command, warned that terror groups in the Sahel region may eventually be able to carry out attacks inside the US. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Terror groups in the region, which include ISIS-Sahel and al Qaeda-aligned Jama'at Nusrat ul Islam wa al Muslimin (JNIM), have recently set their sights on expanding westward, the general explained, which could provide them easier access to the US. 'One of the terrorists' new objectives is gaining access to West Africa coasts,' Langley said. 'If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. 'This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the US shores.' Langley noted that JNIM, which has expanded 'fourfold' since 2022, is of particular concern to the US. Advertisement 'We're keeping a good eye on this, because they could have the capacity to attack the homeland,' he said of the group. Langley described the Sahel region as the 'epicenter of terrorism.' AFP via Getty Images In a massive blow to counterterrorism operations, the US military withdrew from Niger last year after the governing junta ended an agreement that had allowed American troops to operate out of the country. Langley indicated that in the months since the withdrawal, the US has not been able to keep as close an eye on the terror groups in the region. Advertisement 'Unfortunately, with our withdrawal from the region, we have lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely but continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can,' the general said. 'Since we've left Niger … we're observing a rise in attacks by violent extremist organizations, not only in Niger but across the Sahel,' Langley said, noting that attacks are growing in both 'frequency and complexity.' 'The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are really troubling.' To counter the terror surge, Langley said the US is pursuing 'opportunities to collaborate' with Sahel-region nations, including Burkina Faso and Nigeria.
