Commander General Michael Langley has raised concerns over growing Chinese military engagement across Africa, warning that Beijing is increasingly replicating American military cooperation models at a time when Washington is scaling back its civilian aid programs.
Speaking in Nairobi at the close of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, Gen. Langley emphasized that China is expanding its presence in Africa through military training, joint exercises, and security partnerships—mimicking long-standing U.S. programs such as the International Military Education and Training (IMET) initiative.
“They’re stepping up on all fronts,” Langley noted, referencing recent Chinese exercises in countries like Tanzania. “From military advising to training and relationship-building, they are replicating the very methods we’ve used to partner with Africa over decades.”
As the U.S. government reassesses its foreign assistance priorities, Langley made clear that Washington’s focus is shifting toward empowering African nations to take the lead in addressing regional security threats. “The U.S. does not seek to be a permanent solution,” he said. “We want to support African self-reliance in confronting terrorism and insurgency.”
Despite the commitment to partnership, Langley acknowledged significant challenges—particularly in the Sahel region, which he described as the current global epicenter of terrorism. He cited the worsening situation in Burkina Faso, where government control has eroded in vast areas due to violent extremist groups.
While the U.S. reevaluates which aid programs to maintain under the State Department’s broader strategic realignment, Langley warned that groups like al-Shabaab are already trying to exploit perceived gaps left by paused or reduced American aid.
The general’s remarks come amid discussions in Washington about potentially restructuring AFRICOM, possibly downgrading it under the authority of U.S. European Command—a move that could impact direct engagement with African partners.
Langley urged African nations to make their voices heard on the implications of such decisions, underlining that future U.S. involvement in Africa hinges not only on strategy shifts in Washington, but also on the strength of African advocacy for sustained cooperation.