By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
Mogadishu, Somalia] – The commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael E. Langley, has expressed serious concern over the increasing security threat posed by extremist groups operating across Africa, with a particular focus on ISIS’s activities in Somalia.
Speaking during a session with the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, General Langley warned that ISIS is exploiting fragile security conditions in Somalia and the broader region to expand its operations and international networks.
“Africa is becoming increasingly vulnerable to terrorist threats, and we are particularly alarmed by ISIS’s growing influence in Somalia, where it is managing a critical hub for its global operations,” said Langley.
He emphasized that AFRICOM remains committed to supporting African nations, especially Somalia, in building effective security institutions and combating the rise of extremist groups. The command is working closely with regional and international partners to enhance counterterrorism capabilities across the continent.
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Langley noted that terrorist organizations like ISIS are leveraging socioeconomic instability and weak state structures in many parts of Africa, making the situation more volatile and difficult to contain without sustained international engagement.
AFRICOM’s support includes military training, logistical assistance, and intelligence cooperation, which aims to empower African forces to manage threats independently. Somalia, a frontline state in the global fight against terrorism, continues to receive priority support from the U.S. in both bilateral and multilateral security frameworks.
General Langley underscored the strategic importance of joint cooperation between the U.S. and African nations to ensure lasting peace and security. “Strengthening the resilience of African security forces through long-term partnerships is key to defeating terrorism,” he concluded.
