- US Africa Command Chief Warns Of Growing Terrorism Threat In Nigeria.
- Langley says coastal access boosts extremists’ financing and regional destabilization risk.
- AFRICOM pledges support, praises African militaries confronting terrorism head-on.
The Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, has sounded a serious warning over the expanding ambitions of extremist groups in the Sahel, particularly their growing interest in West Africa’s coastal regions.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, Langley described the resurgence of terrorist activities across Nigeria, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as “deeply concerning.” He stressed that if extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda gain access to the West African coast, they could significantly enhance their capabilities for smuggling, arms trafficking, and destabilizing the region.
Langley highlighted the worsening security situation in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, noting that terror groups have firmly established themselves and are increasingly targeting coastal states. He warned that such developments would not only endanger African nations but could also pose a threat to the United States and its interests.
“Extremist groups are becoming more aggressive. The attacks in Nigeria and across the Sahel are troubling. If terrorists gain coastal access, it opens up more routes for trafficking and funding, escalating the threat globally,” Langley said.
Despite the threat, Langley praised the vigilance of countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin, commending their efforts to secure their northern borders and resist infiltration.
He reiterated the United States’ commitment to working with African nations to combat terrorism, even amid a partial drawdown of U.S. military presence on the continent. “We respect sovereignty and operate only where invited, in alignment with our national security priorities,” he said.
Langley also acknowledged the proactive role African military forces are playing in managing their own security challenges. “African militaries are stepping up. They are not waiting to be rescued but are taking bold steps to safeguard their regions,” he added.
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