The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has raised alarms over the growing ambition of terrorist groups in the Sahel region to infiltrate and dominate West Africa’s coastal nations—a shift that could escalate threats to African security and U.S. national interests.
Speaking at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley warned that extremist groups linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda are making aggressive moves toward coastal countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin.
“Terrorist control of the West African coastline would open new channels for arms trafficking, human smuggling, and illicit financing,” Langley said. “This places not only African nations at risk but also increases the possibility of threats reaching the United States.”
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Sahel region accounted for 19% of all global terrorist attacks and 51% of terrorism-related deaths in 2024. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger remain epicentres of extremist activity, with insurgents deeply embedded in Burkina Faso.
Langley pointed to renewed attacks in Nigeria, the Sahel, and Lake Chad Basin as evidence of the mounting threat. “If terrorists secure coastal access, they gain strategic advantages that could sustain and expand their operations across the continent,” he warned.
He urged African coastal nations to strengthen border security along their northern territories. “Our coastal partners are fighting fiercely to block terrorist expansion, and AFRICOM is standing with them,” he assured.
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Langley also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, citing his November 2024 visit to Nigeria where he met with military leaders. “Nigeria has one of the most capable militaries in the region. We are committed to working together against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.”
Despite some U.S. troop withdrawals, Langley reaffirmed AFRICOM’s long-term commitment: “We only operate where we’re invited. Our mission is not to impose solutions, but to empower African nations to build their own.”
He highlighted the ongoing U.S. support for air operations in Somalia, revealing that AFRICOM has conducted more than 25 airstrikes this year—twice the number from 2024—at the Somali government’s request.
“African forces are no longer waiting to be saved. They are stepping up and taking control of their futures,” Langley said, underscoring the need for local leadership in regional stability.
Langley concluded with a message of solidarity: “Strong partnerships are our greatest strength. We are always stronger when we stand together.”
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