In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the escalating threats posed by extremist groups in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where both Al Shabaab and Islamic State affiliates are active. The U.S. intelligence community has identified Africa as a critical area in the global jihad landscape, emphasizing the need for collaboration with European partners to address these challenges.

Concerns were raised regarding Hungary's independent military actions in Africa, specifically its deployment of troops to Chad under Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Questions were posed about the implications of Orban's approach and the involvement of his son, Gaspar Orban, in these operations. While officials acknowledged the need for robust partnerships with European allies, they expressed skepticism about Hungary's alignment with democratic values.

The meeting highlighted the importance of information sharing among allies to counter potential threats from Africa that could reach the U.S. and Europe. Officials noted that while current terrorist activities are largely contained within the continent, vigilance is necessary to prevent any escalation that could pose a homeland threat.

Criticism was directed at the Biden administration for perceived neglect of Africa, with assertions that U.S. influence is waning in the face of growing competition from China and other adversaries. The chairman of the subcommittee on Africa lamented the lack of adequate resources and attention to the continent, warning that the U.S. risks repeating past mistakes by overlooking the strategic significance of Africa in global security dynamics.