The United States is taking a hard look at the future of its Africa military command, AFRICOM, as it faces growing challenges and shifting alliances on the continent.
There are ongoing discussions in Washington about a possible merger of AFRICOM with the U.S. European Command, a move aimed at streamlining defense operations in an increasingly complex global landscape.
General Michael Langley, who oversees AFRICOM, is urging African governments to speak up if the command plays a critical role in their national and regional security.
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This message comes ahead of a major defense conference in Kenya, where military leaders from across Africa are expected to gather and discuss security priorities.
Since its creation in 2008, AFRICOM has been a key part of the U.S. military’s presence in Africa. It was set up to help tackle terrorism, support local militaries, and provide a counterbalance to the growing influence of countries like China and Russia.
In recent years, a wave of military takeovers in West Africa has weakened U.S. partnerships in the region. As a result, some African nations have begun to look elsewhere for support — and in many cases, that means closer ties with Moscow.
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This changing dynamic is raising serious questions in Washington. American officials are now weighing whether AFRICOM, as it currently stands, remains effective and necessary.
Merging it with the European Command would reduce operational overlap, but some fear it could also weaken the U.S.’s ability to respond directly to African challenges.
General Langley has been in talks with several African leaders and defense officials, stressing the need for honest conversations about what the future of U.S.-Africa military cooperation should look like.
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His outreach suggests that Washington is open to feedback from African nations before any final decision is made.
