By Matik Kueth
The U.S. military is changing its strategy in Africa, shifting away from its previous emphasis on governance and development, and instead promoting African partners to take greater responsibility for their security.
At African Lion 2025, the continent’s largest joint military exercise, Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), emphasized the importance of “independent operations” and “burden sharing.”
While over 40 countries engaged in training exercises focused on combat tactics and drone warfare, the traditional U.S. emphasis on a comprehensive, government-wide approach has significantly declined.
This strategic pivot aligns with a broader trend that began under the Trump administration, which prioritized defending the homeland and reducing the U.S. military’s presence overseas even as extremist threats in Africa are on the rise.
Despite years of American support, military forces in countries like Somalia continue to face significant challenges, remaining underfunded and poorly equipped to confront the growing threats posed by al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates, particularly in the Sahel region. Langley acknowledged that Somalia still grapples with serious security issues.
Experts warn that scaling back Western engagement in fragile regions could create a vacuum that allows extremist groups to gain ground, especially in areas marked by weak governance and poor infrastructure.
This strategic shift by the U.S. comes as the Pentagon seeks to streamline its global military presence, which may involve reducing leadership roles in Africa—despite increasing competition from rival powers. China, for example, has launched an expansive training program for African armed forces, while Russia continues to deepen its influence as a key security partner across North, West, and Central Africa.