Monday, June 2, 2025 - The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, has warned of intensifying efforts by extremist groups in the Sahel to gain access to West Africa’s coastline, raising significant security concerns for both African nations and U.S. interests.
Langley described recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria, the
Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as deeply troubling. He warned that terrorist
control of coastal access would dramatically enhance their capacity for
smuggling, arms trafficking, and financing operations through illicit
activities.
“Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain the epicentre of
terrorist activity in the region, with insurgent networks affiliated with ISIS
and Al-Qaeda especially entrenched in Burkina Faso,” he said.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index published by
the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Sahel accounted for 19% of all
global terrorist attacks and 51% of terrorism-related deaths in 2024—an
increase from 48% the previous year. Five of the ten most terrorism-affected
countries are located in the Sahel.
Speaking at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in
Nairobi, Kenya, Langley emphasised the growing threat posed by coastal
incursions.
“Extremist groups are becoming more aggressive. Attacks are
resurging in the Lake Chad region. If terrorists secure access to West African
coasts, they will have new avenues to fund their operations—through smuggling,
human trafficking, and weapons trading,” he said. “This places not only African
nations at risk but also increases the possibility of threats reaching the
United States.”
Langley specifically urged frontline coastal nations such as
Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin to remain vigilant along their northern borders
to prevent terrorist infiltration. He reaffirmed U.S. support for these
countries: “That’s why our coastal partners are fighting fiercely to block
terrorist expansion, and AFRICOM is standing with them.”
He acknowledged that the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces
from some parts of Africa had limited America's ability to monitor and respond
to terrorist threats as closely as before. However, he reiterated the U.S.
commitment to collaborative counterterrorism efforts.
“We respect national sovereignty and only operate where
we’re invited—if it aligns with U.S. national security objectives,” he stated.
Langley also reflected on his November 2024 visit to
Nigeria, which offered firsthand insight into ongoing security cooperation.
“During my visit, I sat down with Nigerian defence leaders
to explore how the U.S. can continue to support Nigeria’s efforts against Boko
Haram and ISIS West Africa. Nigeria has one of the most capable militaries in
the region, and we are committed to working together,” he said.
Despite tensions with countries like Burkina Faso, Langley
expressed hope for future cooperation. “I’ve extended an invitation to Burkina
Faso’s Chief of Defence to attend the conference because I believe in keeping
dialogue open. That opportunity is still available,” he added.
On operations in East Africa, Langley reported that AFRICOM
had intensified airstrikes in Somalia at the request of the Somali government,
conducting more than 25 airstrikes so far this year—double the number from the
previous year.
He praised African militaries for taking the lead in
addressing their own security challenges. “African forces are no longer waiting
to be saved. They are stepping up, taking control of their futures, and driving
efforts to stabilise their nations.”
Langley emphasised that AFRICOM’s mission is centered on
empowering partners, not fostering dependency.
“Our goal is to build enduring partnerships that enable
African nations to solve African problems—not through handouts, but through
trusted collaboration. A safe, stable, and prosperous Africa is a strategic
necessity for both Africa and the United States.”
He stressed the importance of joint military exercises,
capacity building, and intelligence sharing, noting that AFRICOM is now placing
increased focus on helping partners address the root causes of terrorism,
particularly local instability.
“We are not just building military capacity. We are
investing in long-term stability that benefits both Africa and the United
States. AFRICOM supports African nations in building strong, capable security
forces that can maintain peace and security.”
Langley concluded by summarizing AFRICOM’s approach in three
words: “peace through strength.”
“Strong partnerships are our greatest strength. We are
always stronger when we stand together,” he said.
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