The US raises the alarm over the terrorist encouragement towards West Africa

In the midst of increasing security issues in the Sahel region, the African Commander of the United States African (Africa), General Michael Langley, has warned intensive efforts by extremist groups to violate the West African coastline, a step that can greatly increase threats related to terrorism throughout the continent and surrounding areas.

Speaking at a press briefing during the African head conference held in Nairobi, Kenya during the weekend, Langley described the situation in Sahel and Lake Chad Basin as “very troubling,” quoting new attacks in Nigeria and neighboring countries as proof of increased rebellion aggression.

“The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are worrying,” Langley told reporters. “We see dangerous encouragement by terrorist networks to get access to the beach and if they succeed, their ability to finance operations through arms trade, smuggling, and human exploitation will be increased with dangerous.”

Sahel, especially Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, remain the center of global terrorism. According to 2025 global terrorism index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, this region contributed 19% of all terrorist attacks worldwide in 2024 and more than half (51%) of deaths related to global terrorism. Five of the ten most global -affected countries are in Sahel.

Langley stated the concern that coastal violations by extremist networks would not only threaten local and regional security but also to increase risks to the interests of the US globally.

“Our coastal partner, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin, fought hard to maintain their northern border from infiltration,” he said. “Africom stands firmly with them in this fight.”

He noted that while the withdrawal of partial US troops from the African department had limited supervision capabilities, Africom remained actively involved through partnerships and intelligence support. Langley stressed that US involvement will continue, as long as it is in line with the national sovereignty of the host country and US strategic interests.

Given the visit of November 2024 to Nigeria, Langley reiterated the ongoing American collaboration with one of the most capable African military. “I have the opportunity to meet with Nigerian defense leaders and see our partnership in action. Together, we handle Boko Haram and West African ISIS to secure peace throughout the region,” he said.

Apart from the logistics setbacks of the drawdown forces, Langley convinced a sustainable link and tactical support. “Our commitment remains strong, and we focus on helping Nigeria and his neighbors face a developing threat landscape.”

Also Read: The Conflict of Presidential Trust will occur when the economic reform is rooted

Langley also touched a tense relationship with several Sahel countries, especially Burkina Faso. However, he stated that dialogue remained open.

“I gave an invitation to the Head of Defense Burkina Faso to attend this conference,” he said. “It is very important to keep the communication channel open, even in the challenging diplomatic climate.”

In East Africa, Langley reported that Africom had significantly increased its support to Somalia in 2025. “At the request of the Somali government, we have done more than 25 air strikes this year, doubled last year, targeting the Jihadist fort,” he said.

Apart from increasing threats, Langley expressed optimism about the African military response. “African troops do not wait for the savior. They step, face direct security challenges, and seize the opportunity to stabilize their country,” he said.

He underlined Africom’s long -term strategy in empowering local forces, not creating dependence.

“Our approach is rooted in a trusted partnership. We want to support countries in solving their own problems, not with handouts, but with joint determination,” Langley said. “Safe and stable Africa is not only a humanitarian goal; this is a strategic need, for Africa and the United States.”

Langley also stressed the importance of overcoming the root causes of terrorism such as local instability and governance gap through capacity building and stronger involvement with civil society.

“We not only build a stronger military, but also invest in the foundation of peace and prosperity,” he said. “Sharing intelligence, institutional strengthening, and collaboration with the community is an important element of our work.”

He concluded by summarizing the Africanomome mission: Peace through strength.

“That’s the essence of what we do,” he said. “And strength, in our view, comes from standing together.”