The United States is intensifying its cooperation with Nigeria and other African nations to combat terrorism in West Africa.
This was disclosed by General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), during a press briefing on Thursday.
In his address, Langley emphasized the strategic focus of AFRICOM on supporting African-led security initiatives.
He outlined the collaborative efforts between the US and Nigeria aimed at countering violent extremism and transnational threats.
The US approach is centered around empowering African nations to take the lead in securing their regions, with US forces playing a supportive role through training, intelligence sharing, and military cooperation.
Langley also discussed the recent withdrawal of US military personnel from Niger, citing demands made by the country’s ruling military junta, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP).
The withdrawal follows the 2023 coup in Niger, which saw the government of Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou overthrown.
Langley reassured that the US withdrawal was executed safely and in full compliance with the demands of the Nigerien authorities.
Despite the exit from Niger, the US remains engaged in addressing the rising terrorist activities across the Sahel region.
General Langley pointed to the new alliance between Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, known as the Alliance of Sahelian States, and mentioned that future US security cooperation with this coalition is still under consideration.
He highlighted the importance of African leadership in these security efforts, emphasizing the need for local governance and regional collaboration in tackling terrorism and other pressing threats.
The US, he said, would continue to consult with its African partners through diplomatic channels to determine the extent of its involvement in counter-terrorism activities.
Langley also pointed out that extremist groups in Africa harbor aspirations of attacking the US homeland, making continued collaboration with African nations critical to both regional and global security.
US military interventions in Africa, he noted, are based on invitations from the host nations, and focus on building institutional capacity, whether through temporary engagements or establishing a more permanent military presence if requested.
AFRICOM’s operational strategy, according to Langley, will continue to revolve around development, defense, and diplomacy, with a consistent approach across Africa aimed at achieving stability and prosperity in partnership with the nations that seek US assistance.
