Nairobi -In a frank and urgent address in Nairobi on Wednesday, the top United States military commander for Africa called on the continent’s nations to join forces more closely in confronting a growing wave of shared security threats.
General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), told African military leaders that only through unity could countries tackle the overlapping challenges of terrorism, political violence, displacement, and economic instability.
“Threats don’t respect borders and they’re getting more complex,” Langley said during the opening session of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference. “From local clashes to full-blown conflict, like in Sudan, the risks are shared. None of us can face them alone.”
The conference, which has drawn defence leaders from 38 African countries, is being held on the continent for just the second time. Its agenda reflects the urgency of the moment with sessions focused on counter-terrorism, civil-military relations, and long-term force development.
From Words to Action
Langley’s speech struck a tone of partnership, not prescription. He stressed that the United States was not dictating terms, but listening.
“This is an African-led forum,” he said. “AFRICOM is here to support not to direct.”
He pointed to successful joint training missions such as FLINTLOCK in West Africa and African Lion in the north as proof that collaboration yields results. During his recent visit to Côte d’Ivoire, he said, he saw firsthand how coordination between African forces can build trust and readiness.
“Our shared training and operations show the world that when we work together, we achieve real outcomes,” he said.
Langley also paid tribute to the sacrifices of African troops in global conflicts, referencing his visit to a memorial for Senegalese soldiers who served in World War I. “Their legacy reminds us that strength lies in unity,” he added.
Global Context, Local Realities
While much of the world’s security focus has shifted to the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Langley argued that Africa must not be overlooked.
He said his recent meetings with leaders at the Munich Security Conference had made clear that Africa remains a strategic priority for the West and not just in rhetoric.
“I had a candid exchange with NATO’s Javier Colomina,” he said. “He highlighted how attention is growing in places like Mauritania. There is interest. But the work on the ground must be led from within.”
Langley did not shy away from recognising the limitations many African militaries face from outdated equipment to gaps in training and funding. He confirmed that the US is now reviewing its own military footprint in Africa to ensure it better supports local priorities.
“Our leadership in Washington is taking a hard look at how we operate,” he said. “The goal is to align more closely with what our partners actually need.”
A Partnership Under Pressure
Langley’s remarks come at a time when US influence in Africa is facing fresh tests. As new powers such as China and Russia expand their presence particularly through arms deals and private military firms the United States is working to strengthen alliances based on mutual respect and shared values.
Still, not all African governments are on the same page. Some have questioned the pace of reform, while others have expressed concerns over sovereignty and external interference.
Langley acknowledged those tensions but made his message clear: cooperation remains the only real path forward.
“AFRICOM hears you. The United States hears you,” he said. “We are committed and ready to stand with you, every step of the way.”
As the conference continues through the week, military chiefs are expected to draft a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to regional stability. Whether that leads to stronger collective action remains to be seen. But Langley left no doubt about the stakes.
“Insecurity doesn’t wait,” he said. “And neither should we.”
