TAN TAN, Morocco, May 25, 2025 — Can African nations counter escalating insurgencies without U.S. support? At the African Lion exercise, the U.S. military signaled a pivot, urging allies to take greater responsibility for their security as threats from al-Qaida, Islamic State, and Russian and Chinese influence grow, Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander, told The Associated Press.
A Shift Toward Burden-Sharing
During the 25th African Lion exercise, held in Morocco and concluding May 23, 2025, over 10,000 troops from more than 40 countries rehearsed air, land, and sea operations, including drone flights, close-quarters combat, and satellite-guided rocket launches, per AP reports. Unlike past years, the U.S. moved away from promoting good governance and development, focusing instead on enabling “independent operations” for African partners.
“There needs to be some burden sharing,” Langley said, aligning with President Donald Trump’s Defense Department priority of protecting the U.S. homeland while expecting allies to contribute to global stability, such as in Sudan.
Rising Threats and Great Power Rivalry
Africa faces surging violence, with the Sahel accounting for over half of global terrorism deaths in 2024, and Somalia contributing 6%, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace. Langley noted that al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates exploit governance vacuums, requiring direct U.S. action in some regions. Meanwhile, Russia and China deepen their influence. Russian mercenaries, like the Wagner Group, have expanded in Mali and Sudan, leveraging instability, while China’s naval base in Djibouti and potential Atlantic coast bases signal economic and military ambitions. “Russia is trying to take over Central Africa and the Sahel,” Langley warned in a 2024 congressional hearing.
Challenges for African Militaries
The U.S. shift comes as African forces struggle. In Somalia, despite U.S. airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab and ISIS, the Somali National Army remains ill-equipped, Langley admitted. “They’re trying to find their way,” he said, noting gaps in battlefield capabilities despite training for the elite Danab Brigade. In the Sahel, local militaries lack robust air forces and infrastructure to monitor militants, said Beverly Ochieng of Control Risks. Western withdrawals, including France’s exit from Mali and Burkina Faso, have left gaps filled by Russian forces, with the U.S. expelled from Niger’s drone base in 2024.
A Leaner U.S. Presence
With 6,500 personnel in Africa, AFRICOM faces resource constraints amid a push for a “leaner, more lethal force,” potentially cutting leadership roles. Langley emphasized building partner capacity, citing Ivory Coast’s success in reducing jihadi attacks through combined defense and development. Yet, he acknowledged uneven progress: “I’ve seen progression and I’ve seen regression.” The U.S. supports Somalia with five new bases for counterterrorism training, signed February 15, 2024, but Langley stressed that African nations must lead. “What the U.S. wants is what countries are asking for,” he said, avoiding plans for new U.S. bases.
Uncertain Future Amid Global Competition
As Langley prepares to exit his post later in 2025, the U.S. strategy faces scrutiny. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously, called Africa the “epicenter” for al-Qaida and Islamic State, with ISIS shifting command to Somalia. The U.S. escalation of airstrikes in Somalia since January 2025 has not fully empowered local forces, and Russian disinformation fuels anti-Western sentiment, Langley noted. With African Lion 2025 showcasing U.S.-Moroccan cooperation, including F-16 maneuvers, the U.S. aims to strengthen allies but insists they take the lead against insurgents and rivals.
Sources:
- AP News, “US Military Shifts Messaging in Africa,” May 25, 2025.
- The Independent, “US Military Shifts Messaging in Africa,” May 25, 2025.
- Eurasia Review, “Africa Command to ‘Double Down’ in Africa,” June 1, 2024.
- Military Times, “US Africa Command Boss Defends Counterterrorism Strategy,” May 30, 2024.
- X posts on African Lion exercise, May 15–19, 2025.