Washington (Agencies): The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is reassessing its presence on the continent as African nations reconsider defense partnerships and shift alliances. The move comes months after the Pentagon withdrew troops from the Sahel region, including Niger and Chad, following requests from local governments.
AFRICOM commander General Michael Langley confirmed discussions with several African defense ministers and heads of state regarding the future of US military operations in the region. “I’ve talked to a number of ministers of defense and a few presidents and told them we were assessing,” Langley stated during a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration is considering merging AFRICOM with Washington’s European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, as part of efforts to streamline operations. Established in 2008, AFRICOM was designed to consolidate US military efforts in Africa and address security concerns, including Islamist insurgencies. However, its influence has waned in recent years.
Despite troop withdrawals, the US continues intelligence-sharing arrangements with military regimes in the Sahel and is exploring alternative ways to remain engaged. Meanwhile, France has also been forced to withdraw from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, as these nations strengthen ties with Russia.
The reassessment of AFRICOM’s role signals a broader shift in US foreign policy, with Washington weighing its strategic priorities in Africa amid evolving geopolitical dynamics