Mogadishu (KAAB TV) — General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has called on African nations—including Somalia—to take greater responsibility for their own security as the U.S. scales back its traditional aid to the region.
“Things we used to do, maybe we won’t do now,” Gen. Langley said Thursday while speaking to reporters at the African Defense Force Commanders meeting in Nairobi.
“We are asking you to take action and share the responsibility with us,” he added.
Langley warned that extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab are seeking to exploit the vacuum left by reduced international assistance. He noted that Al-Shabaab has begun forming sub-administrations in areas beyond the control of the Somali government.
While the U.S. will continue to provide support in the form of intelligence sharing and joint military exercises, Langley emphasized that future aid will be driven by mutual interests and responsive local leadership capable of addressing internal challenges.
In contrast, China is expanding its influence across Africa, ramping up military training programs and making significant investments in the continent’s security infrastructure.