U.S. Military Chief urges African-led security response to expanding terror threat

General Michael E. Langley, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), has called for a united African-led security response to terrorism. He warned that extremist networks are advancing toward West Africa’s coastal nations, including Ghana.

Langley stated, “African militaries are not waiting to be saved.” He emphasized that they are tackling security challenges directly. This approach aims for stability and prosperity in their nations.

He noted that countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin are on the frontline against violent extremism. “One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West Africa coasts,” he cautioned.

During a virtual press briefing after the Africa Chief of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Langley highlighted the importance of African-led solutions. The conference included senior military leaders from over 37 African countries discussing long-term strategies.

AFRICOM is based in Stuttgart, Germany. It is one of seven joint-service geographic combatant commands responsible for U.S. military operations in Africa.

Langley described the dialogue at the conference as powerful and focused on regional cooperation and long-term security strategies. He explained that AFRICOM aims to build self-reliance among African nations by addressing terrorism's root causes.

This includes tackling local instability through intelligence sharing and capacity building. “Security is rooted in the strength of communities,” he said, emphasizing integration between militaries and society.

Langley acknowledged Ghana’s efforts against terrorist expansion. He stated that coastal partners like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin are fighting fiercely along their northern borders with U.S. support.

To support this vision, AFRICOM is shifting its focus toward readiness for independent operations. They promote military exercises that enhance regional capacity.

Langley cited “Justified Accord,” East Africa’s largest military exercise, as a model for collaboration. Kenya led this exercise alongside Djibouti and Tanzania in 2025.

He expressed alarm about the deteriorating situation in the Sahel region. “The Sahel is where we consider the epicenter of terrorism,” he said regarding Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger facing daily crises.

Langley noted that terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida thrive in Burkina Faso. The government there has lost control over large areas of territory.

He expressed concern about extremist groups becoming more sophisticated while targeting coastal access points. Attacks have also surged in the Lake Chad region as these groups grow more aggressive.

Regarding AFRICOM's counterterrorism actions in East Africa, Langley mentioned support for Somalia's Federal Government. This year alone, AFRICOM has conducted over 25 airstrikes—double last year's total.

From his visits across Africa, Langley observed youth and civil society driving peace and innovation. In Algeria, he met a youth robotics team using technology to solve local problems—a sign of future stability through African innovation.

As he prepares to end his tenure as AFRICOM commander, Langley reaffirmed U.S. commitment to long-term partnerships on the continent.

“It’s about empowering African nations to solve African problems,” he said regarding trusted cooperation rather than handouts.

“A safe and stable prosperous Africa is not just a charitable goal,” he concluded; it’s essential for both the United States and its African partners.