US Military Stands Firm on Africa Strategy Despite Coups and Growing Russian Influence

AGADIR, Morocco (AP) — The head of the U.S. military in Africa, Gen. Michael Langley, is standing firm in defense of the country’s counterterrorism strategy on the continent despite facing criticism and a shift among African nations towards seeking security assistance from Russia.

In an interview with The Associated Press during the Africa Lion war games exercise in Morocco, Langley attributed the anti-U.S. sentiment in volatile regions to a wave of Russian disinformation. He emphasized the need for the U.S. military to reaffirm how its strategy can promote stability in the Sahel region.

The U.S. military, with 6,000 members stationed in Africa, is facing challenges as key allies like Chad and Niger are turning to Russian forces for security support, prompting them to request the withdrawal of U.S. troops from critical monitoring posts.

The rise of militant Islamist violence in the Sahel, with over 11,000 deaths linked to it last year, has led to military coups in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These countries have started distancing themselves from western powers and strengthening ties with Russia.

Despite these setbacks, Langley emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to engaging with African countries through non-combat efforts such as addressing climate change, crop failure, tribal conflict, and displacement. He stressed the importance of good governance and institution-building beyond military intervention.

As the U.S. forces prepare for a safe withdrawal from Niger and Chad, Langley highlighted the need to reassess security partnerships based on the evolving threats in the region. The U.S. strategy in Africa will be guided by the security needs expressed by the countries themselves, ensuring a collaborative approach to addressing violent extremism and maintaining stability.