US rethinking the future of military command in Africa

The United States is evaluating the future structure and role of AFRICOM, its military command for Africa, amid discussions on potential changes.
General Michael Langley emphasized the significance of African governments voicing their perspectives during ongoing policy reviews.
U.S. influence in Africa faces challenges, with expanding armed group activities and the shift of some nations' alliances toward Russia.

The United States is reviewing the future of its military command for Africa, according to the top U.S. general for the continent, who urged African governments to voice their opinions in Washington about the potential restructuring.

General Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), made the remarks ahead of a conference of African defence chiefs in Kenya, Reuters reported.

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Earlier this year, the Trump administration began considering an executive action to dismantle U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and place its responsibilities under U.S. European Command (EUCOM), according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

The proposed move is seen as part of President Trump’s broader agenda to reduce the size of the Pentagon, cut down on bureaucratic layers, and scale back the U.S. military footprint in parts of Africa.

Langley confirmed that he has engaged with African officials on the matter and emphasized the importance of their input as discussions continue in Washington.

"I've talked to a number of ministers of defence and a few presidents and told them we were assessing," Langley said.

"He said governments should make their views about AFRICOM's future known through their ambassadors in the U.S. That's what I tell them. I said: 'okay, if we're that important to (you), you need to communicate that and we'll see'."

Before 2008, U.S. military operations in Africa were managed through commands based in other regions. The establishment of AFRICOM marked a shift in U.S. strategy, recognizing the continent’s growing importance to national security, particularly due to the rise of Islamist insurgencies and increasing geopolitical competition with China and Russia.

However, in recent years, U.S. influence in parts of Africa, especially West Africa, has diminished. Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State have expanded, while a wave of military coups has reshaped the region's political landscape.

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The spate of military coups across West Africa pushed the U.S. to reduce its security support, as newly established military governments increasingly aligned themselves with Russia.

Last year, Niger ordered the withdrawal of nearly 1,000 U.S. troops and the closure of a $100 million drone base, marking a major setback for U.S. operations in the Sahel. By September, the U.S. military confirmed it had completed its withdrawal from the country.

Last April, Russia deployed military instructors and personnel from its defence ministry to Niger to train local forces and help establish an air defence system.

Despite the challenges, General Michael Langley noted that the U.S. has continued limited intelligence sharing with some of the military regimes in the region and is exploring alternative ways to remain engaged and support stability efforts on the continent.