AFRICOM commander urges continued U.S. presence as China, Russia expand influence in Africa

Gen. Michael Langley, commander of United States Africa Command, told the House Armed Services Committee that Africa’s strategic importance continues to grow as China and Russia expand military and economic ties on the continent.

Langley said AFRICOM should remain a distinct combatant command. "Africa is a nexus theater for the great power competition and then also, with a number of violent extremist organizations... It is a threat to our homeland, and it's a threat for our overall national security and protection on our national interests," he said. He added he "will vigorously oppose any effort to consolidate AFRICOM and EUCOM."

Nut graf: Members examined China and Russia's expanding footprint in Africa, the importance of partner capacity-building, and how the U.S. should balance security cooperation, foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement to protect strategic interests such as access to critical minerals and ports.

Langley highlighted exercises and partnerships — including African Lion — and recent engagements with countries such as Morocco and Kenya as examples of enduring relationships and capacity building. He said AFRICOM's work ranges from training and exercises to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and that stability requires matching resources to threats.

Members raised concerns about U.S. soft-power cuts and the strategic risk of ceding influence to China and Russia. Langley said many African partners want to shoulder more of the burden and praised Morocco as an example of successful partnership, but cautioned that capabilities vary across the continent and that the U.S. must be deliberate and resourced in its approach.

Ending: Langley urged continued U.S. engagement and investment, including exercises, security cooperation and targeted assistance, while rejecting consolidation of AFRICOM with EUCOM at this time.