By Pearl Matibe in Washington, DC
On 17 September, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael E. Langley, commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), met with White House Correspondent Pearl Matibe at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. During his meeting with Matibe, General Langley discussed how AFRICOM is strengthening its partners’ capacity and capabilities while advancing operational and strategic efforts.
“As one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands, AFRICOM is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and crisis response efforts on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity,” AFRICOM’s Public Affairs Office confirms.
General Langley lauded the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for their efforts in combating insurgency in Mozambique. In the meeting, he praised SADC for their coordinated operations in northern Mozambique, where violent extremism has challenged the Cabo Delgado province. “SADC’s efforts have been commendable,” said Langley. “Their engagement in Mozambique is a crucial example of regional cooperation done right. They’ve taken the lead in stabilizing the region, allowing Mozambique to make progress in countering these terrorist threats.”
The violent extremism in Cabo Delgado province, driven by ISIS-Mozambique, has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, with attacks targeting local communities. General Langley acknowledged these challenges but noted the positive trajectory Mozambique is on thanks to the collective efforts of SADC forces. “There’s still much to be done, but they’ve shown resolve. It’s proof that regional partners can tackle their own security issues when given the right support,” Langley added.
As their discussion shifted focus to the broader threat landscape in Africa, Langley voiced his concerns about ISIS, al-Qa’ida on the continent. “The threat posed by ISIS in Africa is evolving,” he said. “What we’re seeing in the DRC and Mozambique are local insurgencies that are metastasizing into something much more dangerous. These groups have pledged allegiance to ISIS and are receiving support to fuel their operations.”
ISIS-DRC, operating mainly in the eastern provinces of the DRC, has been responsible for a range of brutal attacks on civilians, with massacres and kidnappings becoming an all-too-common occurrence. According to Langley, the group’s ability to exploit weak governance and porous borders makes it particularly dangerous. “What concerns me most about ISIS-DRC is its ability to destabilize an already fragile region. Their reach extends beyond Congo’s borders, threatening the entire Great Lakes region,” he stated.
Langley pointed out that while ISIS-Mozambique has been the primary focus due to high-profile attacks in Cabo Delgado, ISIS-DRC should not be underestimated. “We cannot afford to take our eyes off ISIS-DRC. It’s a sleeper threat that could erupt into a full-blown crisis if left unchecked,” said Langley.
On the U.S.’s holistic strategy, General Langley talked about AFRICOM’s integrated approach to countering terrorism, emphasizing the need for development and governance support in addition to military operations. “A military-only solution isn’t enough,” Langley stressed. “We need to address the root causes of extremism—poverty, lack of governance, and the appeal these groups have in ungoverned spaces. That’s where diplomacy and development come in.”
Langley reiterated AFRICOM’s commitment to a “3-D approach”—defense, diplomacy, and development—working closely with partners in Africa to provide the necessary tools to combat extremism. “It’s about building capacity, whether that’s through military support, diplomatic engagement, or development assistance. The goal is to foster regional stability for a secure future.”
General Langley remained cautiously optimistic about how he views the road ahead for AFRICOM, especially its involvement in counterterrorism efforts across Africa. “We’ve seen progress, but we’re far from the finish line,” Langley said, adding, “There’s a lot of work ahead, especially as these groups continue to adapt and evolve. But with partners like SADC and the ongoing commitment of African nations to lead in their own security, I believe we can make significant strides.”
His assessment paints a clear picture of the complex and evolving terrorism threats facing Africa today. As the continent makes efforts against the growing presence of ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and affiliates such as al-Shabaab Somalia, regional cooperation and partnerships will be key to maintaining peace and security. “Africa’s future is bright, but it will require continued vigilance, partnership, and, above all, a shared commitment to defeating these threats together,” said Langley.
Most recently, General Langley concluded official visits—from 9 to 11 September—to Somalia. Langley’s travel reinforces U.S.-Africa partnerships. He wrapped up a series of high-level meetings with the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“I know that sitting down with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his fight and campaign against al-Shabaab is going to continue; building up at the same time and doing force generation and building up the Somali National Army is understood. It’s like flying a plane while still building it. He understands that, but he’s very, very optimistic that we’re going to be successful, and I think also is going to be the new construct that’s going to help them get there,” Langley recently told reporters.
He also undertook a high-level visit to Nairobi, Kenya, from 11 to 13 September marking an important step in U.S.-Kenya defense relations. “Kenya is not just a partner in counterterrorism, but a key ally in creating lasting regional stability and development,” he said in his meeting with Matibe.
During his stay, General Langley met with Brigadier General Sankale Kiswaa, deputy commander of the Kenya Navy, and was hosted by Kenyan military leaders, as well as by General Charles Kahariri, Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, at the Kenyan Defense Forces Headquarters in Nairobi.
Kenya’s military leaders greeted Langley with full military honors, underscoring the respect and significance of the growing partnership between the two countries. “A holistic strategy”—AFRICOM’s work with Kenya includes not only military cooperation but also support for local health initiatives and leadership programs the country’s youth.
General Langley told Matibe, his personal philosophy is “Leadership through learning”—Langley emphasizes learning from both mentors and those he commands to shape his leadership approach over his 40-year military career.
Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise on U.S. foreign policy, and international security. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe
