Source: United States AFRICOM
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of United States Africa Command, testified yesterday before the House Armed Services Committee on how the command ensures America’s deterrence and peace through strength.
During his testimony, Langley emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the U.S. homeland from terrorism threats originating in Africa while bolstering the capacity of African partners – preparing them to shoulder an increased share of the burden for regional security throughout Africa.
Langley opened his remarks by reiterating AFRICOM’s approach, saying, “Everything we do in the United States AFRICOM has one overarching goal in mind: Achieving peace through strength.”
To achieve this, Langley said, AFRICOM requires a clear understanding of national security threats, a robust and dependable network of like-minded allies and partners, and appropriate resourcing to match military requirements.
Langley addressed growing concerns about terrorist organizations and their exploitation of instability across the African continent. He underscored the importance of building the capacity of African partners to counter these threats, emphasizing diligence in the fight against terrorism.
“Africa remains a nexus theater from which the United States cannot afford to shift its gaze,” said Langley. “It is home to terrorists who take advantage of conditions in Africa to grow and export their ideology. ISIS controls their global network from Somalia.”
Committee members questioned Langley on counterterrorism operations in Somalia and the effect these operations have.
“We’ve been pressuring ISIS in the Golis Mountains significantly,” Langley stated. “It’s been reinstituting deterrence in a significant way.”
Other questions focused on China and Russia and their goals in Africa.
“We must deter these nations and other malign actors from their goals on the continent,” Langley said. “As far as China is concerned and their aspirations to become a global hegemon, they’re outspending AFRICOM militarily 100-to-1. As they have basing aspirations across the globe, especially in Africa, they’re trying to close the gap from a geostrategic position to be able to stop our joint forces from employing across the globe or for A2AD, aerial denial, anti-access.”
Throughout the hearing, Langley consistently emphasized the need for a coordinated approach with other government peers, integrating whole-of-government efforts, both in the United States and in the African nations, to achieve lasting security outcomes in Africa.
Langley emphasized that the command’s approach to sharing the stability and security burden in Africa with African partners and allies has been African lead.
“The plan is theirs,” Langley said, describing how African partners are pursuing greater roles in regional security efforts. “Every country is different; we don’t push ourselves to invade on their sovereignty.”
The full statement and hearing can be viewed on the U.S. Africa Command website at https://www.africom.mil/about-the-command/2025-posture-statement-to-congress
U.S. Africa Command, one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands with an area of responsibility covering 53 African states, more than 800 ethnic groups, over 1,000 languages, vast natural resources, a land mass that is three-and-a-half times the size of the U.S., and nearly 19,000 miles of coastland. Working alongside its partners, AFRICOM counters transnational threats and malign actors, strengthens security forces and responds to crises.