US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia

The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint.

At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, the strategic shift was evident.

"We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press.The transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility.

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