GABORONE, Botswana - The African continent is facing a significant security challenge as defense chiefs from 30 African countries gather in Botswana for a two-day military conference. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) organized the event to discuss pressing security challenges and find ways to work together for a safer, more secure Africa. Lt. Commander Bobby Dixon, a spokesman at AFRICOM, emphasized that the aim is to tackle issues such as counterterrorism efforts, cyber threats, and peacekeeping missions.
The U.S., which has been providing indications and warnings and monitoring crises in Africa for years through AFRICOM, is currently experiencing a shift in alliances as military juntas that overthrew democratic governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger reassess their ties to the West. These countries are turning instead to mercenaries linked to Russia for security assistance.
Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Botswana on Monday as part of this critical inflection point in Africa. The U.S., which has 1,000 troops stationed in Niger and Chad, is pulling its forces out due to the unstable political climate and increasing Russian influence.
Russia's role is expanding in Africa's security landscape as it sows disinformation and sponsors mercenaries like the Wagner Group. The number of Islamic jihadist terrorists in Africa has increased tenfold from 4% in 2008 to 40% currently, according to U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of AFRICOM.
The People's Republic of China (PRC) is also making its presence known through the Belt and Road Initiative and projects like Doraleh in Djibouti. The whole government approach from both Russia and China poses a significant challenge to Africa's security landscape, requiring effective solutions to be discussed at the upcoming conference in Gaborone.
The African Union has expressed deep concern over the scourge of conflicts on the continent and their impact on socioeconomic development. It is crucial for partners like the U.S., Russia, China, and others to help address these challenges through collaboration and dialogue.
