DOD to reduce troops in Africa

The Defense Department plans to reduce the 7,200 U.S. troops in Africa by about 10 percent as part of a “realignment” of counterterrorism forces and a renewed focus on global competitions with China and Russia, according to an announcement from the Pentagon.

“We will realign our counterterrorism resources and forces operating in Africa over the next several years in order to maintain a competitive posture worldwide,” the Pentagon said. “We will complement ongoing Department of State and broader U.S. government efforts to strengthen African partner defense capabilities and regional organizations to enable them to effectively address security threats, reducing threats to U.S. citizens and interests in the region.”

The Pentagon said realignment is needed to better execute the National Defense Strategy, which is built around China and Russia. 

“As the department implements the NDS to maintain our global military advantage, we are moving to a more resource-sustainable approach with our counter violent extremist organization campaign, with priority placed on protecting the homeland and our key national interests from violent extremist 
organizations,” DOD said.

However, the new plan preserves the majority of U.S. security cooperation partnerships and programs in Africa, including those around Somalia, Djibouti and Libya. 

“In other regions, such as West Africa, emphasis shifts from tactical assistance to advising, assisting, liaising, and sharing intelligence,” the Pentagon said.