The United States is strengthening its strategic presence and partnerships across Southern Africa, with senior U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) leaders emphasizing African-led security cooperation as a counterweight to growing Russian and Chinese influence.
During a press briefing on July 28, U.S. Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, and Lieutenant General John W. Brennan, Deputy Commander of AFRICOM, detailed the outcomes of recent visits to Angola and Namibia. The pair directly accused Russia and China of conducting widespread disinformation campaigns across the continent, allegedly aimed at undermining U.S. activities and influence.
Lt. Gen. Brennan dismissed the criticism from entities like Russia’s “Africa Corps,” asserting: “We’d rather have our actions speak for themselves.” He reiterated AFRICOM’s approach of prioritizing “African solutions to African problems,” sharply contrasting it with what he described as more top-down, externally driven engagements from Moscow and Beijing.
According to Brennan, U.S. defense engagement across Africa operates through a philosophy of empowerment—training, equipping, and enabling local forces without eclipsing national sovereignty or leadership. “We don’t conduct operations for our partners,” he said. “We train alongside them, with their leadership in the driver’s seat.”
This model of engagement is embodied in U.S.-Africa military exercises such as Obangame Express, which support African-developed frameworks and programs. Ambassador Scott emphasized that these exercises are meant to reinforce sovereign defense capacities while avoiding “patron-client” dynamics. He cited North Carolina’s longstanding National Guard partnerships with Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana as successful models. A similar partnership for Angola is reportedly underway, pending formal announcement.
AFRICOM officials clarified their heightened engagement in Angola and Namibia—two relatively stable countries not currently experiencing major jihadist activity—by pointing to growing threats along their borders. ISIS-affiliated groups are reportedly active in neighboring Mozambique and South Africa, posing emerging risks to regional security.
Lt. Gen. Brennan also raised concerns about Mexican drug cartels operating from bases in South Africa and along the West African coast, highlighting a broader effort to contain transnational threats such as trafficking and organized crime before they reach Southern African nations.
“Our goal is prevention,” Brennan explained. “Through continued training, exercises, and provision of defensive equipment, we are equipping these countries to anticipate and handle emerging threats—before they destabilize the region.”
In addressing the future scope of U.S. engagement, Brennan confirmed AFRICOM’s intent to expand military and defense cooperation across Southern Africa. He highlighted the U.S.’s long-standing collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and cited Botswana as a key regional security partner.
As part of its broader strategy, the U.S. aims to expand its network of partnerships to support missions such as counterterrorism efforts (like ATMIS and AUSSOM in Somalia) and the fight against illicit drug and human trafficking.
“We’re here for the long haul,” Lt. Gen. Brennan said. “And we’re doing it with local leadership, not in spite of it.”
