The commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Gen. Michael Langley, has urged African countries, including Somalia, to take on the role of providing their own security, as the United States reduces its previous funding to stabilize the region.
“Somethings we used to do, we may not do anymore,” Langley said Thursday, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Nairobi.
“We are asking you to step up and share the responsibility.”
Langley said extremist groups such as al-Shabaab are trying to exploit the funding gap, saying al-Shabaab is establishing autonomous regions in areas outside the control of the Somali government.
He said the United States will continue to provide intelligence support and shared military exercises, but the overall support will be based on shared interests and local leadership that can respond to domestic challenges.
Meanwhile, China is increasing its influence on the continent and has increased its support for African countries, including military training and large investments in security.
