US abandons Africa to Russia and China

The United States has altered its strategy in Africa by reducing its military involvement and calling on African nations to take more independent responsibility for their security.

This shift was especially visible during African Lion 2025, the largest military exercise on the African continent.

"We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," said General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military commander for Africa, in an interview with the Associated Press.

The change in posture comes amid a resurgence of Islamist threats and growing influence from Russia and China across the region. It also aligns with Donald Trump's foreign policy doctrine, which emphasizes homeland security and encourages allies to take on more responsibility abroad.

African Lion 2025, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together 40 nations for a month-long series of joint land, air, and naval exercises. The drills included the use of drones and satellite-guided missile operations.

"We have our set priorities now—protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," Langley added.

Meanwhile, both Russia and China have been increasing their foothold in Africa by offering arms sales and military training programs, aiming to expand their strategic influence across the continent.

(QG - Source: Newsweek— Picture : © Unsplash)