AFRICOM Intensifies Africa Counter-Terrorism Efforts, Links Security to Development
- Nairobi – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is intensifying its security cooperation with African nations, linking counterterrorism efforts with long-term economic development in response to a growing...
- Speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, where he concluded a 37-nation African Chiefs of Defense Conference, Marine Corps Gen.
- The increased focus on collaboration comes as militant groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida continue to expand their reach in parts of East, West, and North Africa.
Nairobi – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is intensifying its security cooperation with African nations, linking counterterrorism efforts with long-term economic development in response to a growing and evolving extremist threat across the continent. The shift reflects a broader strategy of empowering African partners to independently confront terrorism and insurgencies, rather than relying on direct U.S. Intervention.
Speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, where he concluded a 37-nation African Chiefs of Defense Conference, Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley emphasized the importance of building the capacity of African partners. “Alliances like this represent peace through strength,” he said, according to a statement released on . The command’s approach centers on partnerships, with African forces taking the lead in operations.
The increased focus on collaboration comes as militant groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida continue to expand their reach in parts of East, West, and North Africa. AFRICOM officials warn that the extremist threat is not confined to any single region and requires a coordinated response. Recent discussions between AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson and leaders in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti centered on addressing al-Shabaab, ISIS, and the growing connections of the Houthis in East Africa.
“Everyone concurred that it has to be done together,” Anderson stated. “We are looking at ways to work with our partners across the region to increase pressure on these terrorist groups that are creating disruptions across the continent.”
The evolving U.S. Military posture in Africa is also influenced by a broader strategic recalibration. Building on policy shifts from the end of the Biden administration and aligning with a vision of reducing the U.S. Military’s global footprint, AFRICOM has been gradually pulling back its physical presence in certain African nations, encouraging partners to assume greater responsibility for their own security. This approach prioritizes enabling African-led solutions to contemporary risks, recognizing the continent as an “epicenter” for terrorism and insurgency.
This shift involves sharing vital information and intelligence assets with African counterparts who share overlapping security interests. AFRICOM continues to evolve since becoming a fully operational combatant command in 2008, overseeing military operations and security cooperation across 53 African states encompassing over 800 ethnic groups.
In Somalia, the U.S. Has increased airstrikes in support of local forces, described by Anderson as providing “unique capabilities” to sustain pressure on ISIS elements, particularly in mountainous strongholds in Puntland. These operations are intended to enable Somali forces to hold territory and degrade militant leadership.
Beyond direct military support, AFRICOM is investing in infrastructure projects that bolster security and promote economic activity. In Kenya, Anderson attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new runway at Manda Bay, a project jointly supported by Nairobi and Washington. U.S. Officials believe such infrastructure strengthens security operations while supporting long-term economic activity along key trade corridors.
Expanding maritime domain awareness is another key component of AFRICOM’s strategy. The command is assisting coastal states in monitoring territorial waters, disrupting weapons smuggling, and combating piracy and illegal fishing – activities often linked to extremist financing networks.
Growing insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel is a particular concern, with groups linked to al-Qaida and ISIS advancing toward coastal states along the Gulf of Guinea. AFRICOM is deepening cooperation with Nigeria, including intelligence collaboration and specialized support teams, as a model for “capable and willing partnerships.” Similar engagement is planned for other countries facing cross-border militant threats.
International coordination is also increasing through forums such as the Aqaba Process, which has recently focused on terrorism in West Africa. AFRICOM also emphasizes the importance of multinational military exercises – including African Lion, Justified Accord, Cutlass Express, and Flintlock – to improve interoperability and readiness. These drills are considered critical because multinational operations are “extremely complex” and require consistent practice to ensure effective collaboration.
A recurring theme in AFRICOM’s messaging is the interconnectedness of security, stability, and economic growth. Anderson articulated this relationship, stating, “Security leads to stability; stability creates opportunities for investment; and that investment creates prosperity.” AFRICOM is increasingly coordinating with U.S. Civilian agencies and African governments to align security cooperation with broader development initiatives, including transport corridors and infrastructure projects.
Langley underscored that Africa “remains a nexus theater from which the United States cannot afford to shift its gaze.” The command’s strategy reflects a commitment to long-term engagement, focused on empowering African nations to address their own security challenges and fostering a more stable and prosperous continent.