Africa should take more ownership of their safety challenges. The message was recently informed by General Michael Langle, the head of the US Africa Command (USAFROM). The unit is part of the US Department of Defense and is responsible for all the Defense Operations and Safety Cooperation Department on the African continent.
The announcement comes when the United States reconsider its military strategy in the United States Africa, indicating a significant change in its approach to security on the continent.
This adjustment aligns with a broad strategic axis under the Trump administration, which is giving priority to the Homeland Security and a lean, more deadly military force, reducing the US military footprint abroad including Africa.
But what can it mean for the continent?
Africa’s global relevance
Africa is strategic imports for Europe and the United States for its growing population and vast natural resources.
“Africa is a strategic partner with a large and growing Youth population According to the African economic perspective, it is estimated to double by 2045, “A foreign policy and security analyst Adeeb Sani told DW.” The continent is rich, which holds strategic reserves such as huge mineral resources and uranium, which rely too much on both western and eastern. “So 11 out of the world’s 20 fastest growing economies in 2024 are home.
“America and others are not only out of goodwill with the US and Africa, but because the thesis resources are important to run industries around the world,” Sani said. “This makes the relationship mutually beneficial-Africa and the rest of the world win.”
However, the defense strategy of the Trump administration has shifted the US away from protecting the US from protecting the US from protecting from abroad, including the search of terrorist organizations “Islamic State” (IS) as a terrorist group and al-Qaeda, who have expanded their presence and capabights in Africa.
Share the burden of safety operation ‘
First, American military efforts in Africa combined defense, diplomacy and development. “America has been a close partner in combating violent extremism, uniquely in Eastern and West Africa,” Sani explained. “We have greatly trusted American logistics, training, and intelligence sharing to address the thesis. In terms of human security, US Hasalo contributed through other programs, which has helped to lift many from Batti.”
US Marine Corps General Michael Langle said that the priorities of the army now focus on homeland protection. Hey “Burdon sharing” ignored with African partners. Hey goals are to enab down independent operations and create local military abilities to reduce dependence on American forces. This innings was clear during the 25th African lion joint military exercise. The annual program is the largest military exercise on the continent and emphasizes joint air, land and maritime operations with over 40 participating countries. It lacked US LED mannequins, which are usually clear and focus on cooperation and cooperation instead.
What can American participation mean?
Nevertheless, foreign policy analyst Adeeb Sani has warned that a low American presence can create a power vacuum, highlight the terrorist network and reduce years of anti-terrorism efforts. “If the US withdraws its support, it will give us a tough competition. It will motivate the terrorists to fulfill the more deadly and adventurous attacks, knowing that there is no great power supporting our fight. It is daily morale of our soldiers, daily, and gives significant economic pressure on the affected countries.”
Usafrecom currently deploys 6,500 personnel across Africa and has invested hundreds of million dollars in security aid. With that departure, Africa will not be completely inseparable when it comes to safety of the word Sani: “It will be difficult in terms of logistics and technology – we are not just there. Security is a shared responsibility and the best work. The actor.
Steps in Russia and China
Experts say the African countries want to find other colleagues – both new and old. China has already started extensive military training programs for African forces, copying aspects of the US military models, while Russian mercenaries were as major security partners in North and Central Africa.
“China’s application in the past has been mainly economic,” Sani explained. America, he explains, in addition to providing financial assistance, mainly focused on military support. “Russian has a strong appearance with both economic and military participation. It seems that everyone is competing to pay attention. The clear message is that there is a need to diversify the partnership. We cannot completely rely on America; we may need Russian and others.
What can Suk pedal?
Some voices say that the lacquer of American support may be a wake-up call for the African country, forcing them to consider their own resources and to move up to the challenge.
African countries should now take an opportunity to review their safety resources, say Sani, and cooperate more closely. “The construction of our defense industry is important. This means developing industrial capacity and enhancing the capabilities of our armed forces,” analysts. “So there is a need to deal with corruption to ensure that money is not getting free in people’s pockets, but instead is used to improve people’s lives.”
This article was edited by Sarah Hukal.
