US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia

The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint.
At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press.
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment.
This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility.
African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states.
General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan.
Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access.
Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back.
U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services."
As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability.
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