Michael Langley, commander of United States Africa Command, has warned Africans over extremist groups gaining access to Africa’s coastline. The Commander revealed that the militants’ access to the coast will boost their capacity in smuggling and arms trafficking.
Langley disclosed this during a press conference on Saturday, noting the threat the danger posed to Africans and American interests. The conference brought together senior military leaders from 37 African nations with United States defense officials.
According to Langley, the Sahel countries, namely Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are responsible for 19 percent of terrorist attacks worldwide. The Sahel nations also rose from 48 percent of global terrorism-related deaths in 2023 to 51 percent in 2024.
The commander continued that the nations are the center of terrorist activity with networks linked with ISiIS and Al-Qaeda. He revealed that the recent attacks by these terrorists increase the chance of threats making their way into U.S. shores.
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Langley advises coastal states like Ghana, and Benin, among others to prevent their northern borders from terrorist infiltration. The commander, reassures America’s support to the coastal states in their fight against the extremist group.
Terrorists will be eradicated through co-operation and collaboration – Langley
Langley acknowledges that the country’s withdrawal in Parts of Africa has limited the country’s surveillance concerning the terrorist’s activities. However, he discloses that the country is still committed to counterterrorism partnerships and national sovereignty.
The commander recalled his visit to Nigeria, describing his visit as a testament of US support to the Nigerian defense sector. Langley adds that the United States will maintain a strong intermediary and provide support to fight the militant groups.
He continued that the country is making efforts to foster dialogue with Burkina Faso, despite the unstable relationship between the two. According to him, Burkina Faso’s Chief of defense has been invited for dialogue in facing counterterrorism challenges.
The commander concluded by applauding African militaries for confronting their security issues without external intervention.
