US Africa commander highlights terror growth in Sahel and competition with China for influence

Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, warned that terrorist groups in Africa are expanding their capabilities and could potentially launch attacks on U.S. soil. He highlighted the Sahel region as a growing hub of instability and terror activity. Al‑Qaeda factions have significantly increased in size, with AQIM tripling and Jama’at Nasr al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin quadrupling since 2022. These groups are expanding operations and seeking access to Africa’s west coast, which could diversify funding sources and export terrorism. Langley also noted China’s growing influence through military training programs for African soldiers, mirroring U.S. efforts, and emphasized U.S. military action, including recent airstrikes against al‑Shabab in Somalia.