The Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael E. Langley, has called for a unified, African-led security approach to counter the growing threat of terrorism across the continent.

He warned that extremist networks are advancing steadily toward West Africa’s coastal nations, including Ghana, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated regional action.

“African militaries are not waiting to be saved. They are taking on security challenges head-on and leveraging opportunities for stability and prosperity,” General Langley stated.

He stressed that countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin now sit on the frontlines of the fight against violent extremism. “One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West Africa’s coasts,” he cautioned.

Speaking at a virtual press briefing following the Africa Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Langley underscored the importance of African-led solutions in combating terrorism and instability. The conference gathered senior military leaders from over 37 African nations for what he described as a “powerful” dialogue on long-term strategies.

Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, AFRICOM is responsible for all U.S. military operations and activities in Africa. Langley emphasised the command’s evolving focus on empowering African partners through capacity building and institutional support.

“That means tackling instability at the local level – through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and institutional strengthening – using tools beyond military force,” he explained. “Security is rooted in the strength of communities. Militaries must therefore be deeply integrated into society to ensure lasting safety and prosperity.”

He commended Ghana’s efforts in resisting terrorist expansion, noting: “Our coastal partners – Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin – are fighting fiercely along their northern borders to prevent terrorist expansion, and U.S. AFRICOM is standing with them.”

To support these efforts, AFRICOM is increasingly prioritising readiness for independent operations and regional military exercises. Langley cited “Justified Accord,” East Africa’s largest military exercise, as a model of successful collaboration. “Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania co-hosted the 2025 exercise – this is the kind of regional leadership we aim to promote,” he said.

Langley also highlighted the worsening crisis in the Sahel, calling it the “epicenter of terrorism.” He said Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger face daily threats, with terrorist groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida gaining ground. “In Burkina Faso especially, the government has lost control of large territories,” he added.

He expressed concern about the resurgence of attacks in the Lake Chad region and the increasing sophistication of extremist networks aiming for coastal access.

On AFRICOM’s direct counterterrorism operations, particularly in East Africa, Langley revealed that the U.S. had conducted over 25 airstrikes in Somalia so far this year—double the number recorded last year. “In support of the Somalia Federal Government, the U.S. is actively pursuing and eliminating jihadists,” he said.

Langley praised the energy and innovation of Africa’s youth, citing a visit to Algeria where he met a robotics team using technology to solve local challenges. “That is proof that African innovation will be a force of stability in the future,” he said.

As he nears the end of his tenure as AFRICOM commander, Langley reaffirmed U.S. commitment to long-term partnerships across Africa. “It’s about empowering African nations to solve African problems – not through handouts, but through trusted cooperation,” he emphasised.

“A safe, stable, and prosperous Africa is not a charitable goal. It’s a strategic necessity – for both the United States and its African partners.

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