US military adjusts Africa security strategy – DW – 06/10/2025
The US military is urging African countries to be more responsible for their own security as the Trump administration focuses on domestic policies. Could the move fuel militant groups and undo counterterrorism progress?
Africa should take greater ownership of its own security challenges. That was the message recently communicated by General Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command (USAFRICOM). The unit is part of the US Department of Defense and is responsible for all defense operations and security cooperation on the African continent.
The announcement comes as the United States rethinks its military strategy in Africa, signaling a significant shift in its approach to security on the continent.
This adjustment aligns with a broader strategic pivot under the Trump administration, which is prioritizing homeland security and a leaner, more lethal military force, while reducing the US military footprint overseas, including in Africa.
But what could it mean for the continent?
Africa's global relevance
With its growing population and vast natural resources, Africa is strategically important to Europe and the United States.
"Africa is a strategic partner with a large and growing youth population — projected to double by 2045 according to the African Economic Outlook," Adib Saani, a foreign policy and security analyst, told DW. "The continent is rich, holding vast mineral resources and strategic reserves like uranium that both Western and Eastern countries heavily rely on." The continent was also home to 11 of the world's 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024.
"The US and others engage with Africa not just out of goodwill but because these resources are vital for running industries worldwide," Saani said. "This makes the relationship mutually beneficial — a win-win for Africa and the rest of the world."
However, the Trump administration's defense strategy has shifted focus away from protecting the US from threats emanating from abroad, including countering terrorist organizations such as the so-called "Islamic State" (IS) militant group and al-Qaeda, which have expanded their presence and capabilities in Africa.
How USAID cuts are fueling Africa's humanitarian crises
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
'Sharing the burden' of security operations
Previously, US military efforts in Africa combined defense, diplomacy and development.
"America has been a close partner in countering violent extremism, especially in Eastern and West Africa," Saani explained. "We have relied heavily on US logistics, training and intelligence sharing to address these threats. In terms of human security, the US has also contributed through USAID and other programs that have helped lift many out of poverty."
USAFRICOM head Langley said the military's priorities now focus on homeland protection, encouraging instead "burden sharing" with African partners. He said the goal is to build local military capacity to enable independent operations and reduce reliance on US forces.
This shift was evident during the latest African Lion joint military exercise. The annual event is the largest military exercise on the continent and emphasizes combined air, land and sea operations with more than 40 participating nations. The latest edition, in May, lacked the US-led efforts usually apparent and instead focused on collaboration and cooperation.
Historically, the US has played in a major role in security operations on the continent, including in Somalia Image: Senior Airman Kristin Savage/Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa/AP Photo/picture alliance
What could reduced US involvement mean?
Yet foreign policy analyst Adib Saani warned that a diminished US presence could create a power vacuum, emboldening militant networks and undermining years of counterterrorism efforts.
"If the US withdraws its support, it would hit us hard. It could embolden terrorists to carry out more lethal and audacious attacks, knowing there is no major power backing our fight. This would also dampen the morale of our soldiers who face these threats daily, and place significant economic pressure on affected countries," he said.
USAFRICOM currently deploys roughly 6,500 personnel across Africa and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance. With that gone, Saani worries Africa will not be able to be fully independent when it comes to security.
"It will be difficult in terms of logistics and technology — we are simply not there yet. Security is a shared responsibility and works best when it involves multiple actors. In my opinion, Africa cannot do it alone."
Exploiting Africa in the hunt for raw materials
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Russia, China step in to fill security vacuum
African countries will need to look for other allies — both new and old, say experts. China has already launched extensive military training programs for African forces, replicating aspects of the US military model, while Russian mercenaries have established themselves as key security partners in North, West and Central Africa.
"China's approach in the past has mainly been economic," Saani explained. The US, he pointed out, has primarily focused on military support, in addition to providing economic help. "The Russians have strong presence with both economic and military involvement. It feels like everyone is competing for attention. The clear message is that there's a need to diversify partnerships. We can't rely solely on the US; we may also need to engage more with the Russians and others."
Niger: US military operations across the Sahel are at risk
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Can Africa succeed alone?
Some voices say the lack of US support could be a wake-up call for African countries, forcing them to consider their own resources and rise to the challenge.
African nations must now take the opportunity to review their security resources, Saani said, and collaborate more closely.
"Building up our defense industry is also critical. This means developing industrial capacity and enhancing the capabilities of our armed forces," he added.
"We also need to tackle corruption to ensure that funds are not getting lost in people's pockets but are instead used to improve people's lives."
Editor: Sarah Hucal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
DW
an hour ago
- DW
US updates: Trump admin slashes jobs at Voice of America – DW – 06/21/2025
Voice of America is the largest US government-funded international broadcaster and hundreds of employees have been laid off in a fresh round of firings. A top Democrat called it a "dark day for the truth." The Trump administration on Friday laid off 639 employees at US public broadcaster Voice of America (VoA) and its parent organization, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). VoA was established in World War II and aims much of its programming at countries under authoritarian regimes such as North Korea and Iran. Kari Lake, a former television anchor and Trump ally who serves as the senior advisor to the USAGM, said the cuts are part of a "long overdue effort to dismantle a bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy." Some 1,400 people have been fired at VoA and USAGM since March, Lake said. Many VOA staff have been on administrative leave since March 15 amid legal proceedings. Trump has attacked publicly-funded news outlets such as VoA and National Public Radio (NPR), claiming without concrete evidence that their programming is biased toward conservatives. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Welcome to DW's coverage of current affairs in the US and the second term of President Donald Trump. In addition to the latest news on the US, this blog will also bring you multimedia content, analysis and on-the-ground reporting from DW correspondents. Stay tuned for more!
Int'l Business Times
4 hours ago
- Int'l Business Times
Democratic Lawmaker Mocked After Singing Anti-Trump Song for 'Black Music Month': 'Don't Give Up Your Day Job'
Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson posted his own rough rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe"—rewritten as an anti-Trump protest song—in honor of Black Music Month. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) was met with mockery online after posting a video of himself playing a rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe"—rewritten as an anti-Trump protest song—in honor of Black Music Month. June is Black Music Month. This year, I decided to come back with another jam session for you all. Here is my rendition of "Hey Joe" by the Godfather of Rock, Jimi Hendrix. — Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) June 18, 2025 Armed with a Fender Stratocaster, Johnson introduced the video by saying he was "just learning to play guitar" and asked viewers not to "hold it against" him. He then launched into a politically charged performance featuring lyrics such as, "Hey Trump, where you goin' with that gun in your hand? / I'm going down the street to shoot down democracy." Critics from across the political spectrum blasted the 3-minute performance as awkward and poorly executed, seizing on the off-key guitar and partisan lyrics. Bro, wtf did I just watch? — Tesp (@Therealtesp) June 19, 2025 "Don't give up your day job," one user quipped. "Dude, put that guitar down and take more lessons," urged one comment, with several encouraging him to "maybe try tuning the guitar first." Heyyy Hank,Please tune that dang guitar if you can,Heyyy Hank, Please tune that dang guitar if you can — The Doctor (@TennantRob) June 19, 2025 Others expressed secondhand embarrassment, with comments like, "The cringe level in this is immeasurable," and, "My God this man is an absolute embarrassment. Do Democrats meet on Zoom every morning to see who can be the most ridiculous person of the day? — Original Settler (@MAPatriot1630) June 20, 2025 The backlash comes amid heightened political tensions nationally, and some users contrasted the lighthearted jam session with ongoing global conflicts and domestic crises. "We're on the brink of unnecessary war and this is what you're doing?" one user wrote. We are not a serious country. 🤡 — Leeleeliberty (@Leeleeliberty11) June 19, 2025 Despite the negative reaction, Johnson framed the performance as a tribute to Black musical heritage and a personal expression of political concern. Critics, however, appear more focused on his musical chops than his message. Originally published on Latin Times © Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Int'l Business Times
4 hours ago
- Int'l Business Times
Fox Host Accuses Vance, Top Officials of Pressuring Trump to 'Abandon His Principles' Amid Iran Tensions: 'Let Trump Be Trump!'
Fox News host Mark Levin has accused Vice President JD Vance and other top Trump administration officials of pressuring the president to 'abandon his principles' amid tensions over the Israel-Iran war. A Fox News host has accused Vice President JD Vance and other top Trump administration officials of pressuring the president to "abandon his principles" as President Donald Trump debates aiding Israel's war with Iran. Mark Levin took to X Friday morning to share a long tweet, in which he questioned the goals of several prominent officials, including Vance, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. "Is Witkoff negotiating for something less? What's JD's role? It doesn't take 5 minutes for Iran to say, 'we surrender unconditionally' let alone 2 weeks," Levin said, referring to Trump's plan to allow time for Israel and Iran to come to a resolve on their own before intervening. LET TRUMP BE TRUMP!We got our answer. Iran says no unconditional surrender. Again. And again. And again. They cheat and lie and kill. They're TERRORISTS!Is Witkoff negotiating for something less? What's JD's role? It doesn't take 5 minutes for Iran to say, 'we surrender… — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) June 20, 2025 The broadcaster continued to accuse "fifth column isolationists" of trying to get Israel to surrender rather than Iran. "They've lied about Iran's nuclear program. Tulsi Gabbard has some explaining to do . They're a damnable cabal of lunatics, many of whom are antisemites, completely out of step with the overwhelming majority of Americans - of all walks of life and political affiliations - who want Iran's nuke sites destroyed, as the real polls show," Levin stated. According to a Harvard-Harris poll from last week, 85% of Americans do not want Iran to develop nuclear weapons. However, only 16% of Americans want the U.S. to get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, a poll by YouGov found. Levin asserted that it is in "our national security interest and our own survival to stop these bastards cold." "During the 8-years I served in the Reagan administration, there were RINOs in the administration constantly trying to influence and change the president's agenda and press him to abandon his principles. Others actively sought to undermine him with leaks to the media. I see the same happening now," he said. "Let Trump be Trump! We've a great and historic president. Enough with the fake MAGA demagogues and grifters," Levin continued. The possibility of the U.S. getting involved in the Middle East conflict has sparked a harsh divide among Trump supporters. On Tuesday, Vance defended the president in a post on X saying he "has shown remarkable restraint in keeping our military's focus on protecting our troops and protecting our citizens." Look, I'm seeing this from the inside, and am admittedly biased towards our president (and my friend), but there's a lot of crazy stuff on social media, so I wanted to address some things directly on the Iran issue: First, POTUS has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that… — JD Vance (@JDVance) June 17, 2025 Vance previously stated that he would "absolutely not" support using U.S. military power in Iran during a 2023 interview with CBS News . However, Vance said his stance would change if Iran were to attack the U.S. first. Meanwhile, Trump dismissed a previous claim from Gabbard, who testified in March that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. The national intelligence director has reportedly been sidelined recently from key discussions over the Israel-Iran war, NBC News reported. Gabbard is not the only top official allegedly left out of the deliberations. According to a report by the Washington Post , Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also reportedly been excluded from meetings. Originally published on Latin Times Donald trump Israel Nuclear weapons © Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
