AFRICOM’s Shadow: General Langley and the New Age of African Oversight

(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) – In the heart of Africa, where rhythms of resistance beat strong, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) casts a long shadow. Established in 2007, AFRICOM presents itself as a partner in security and development. Yet, many Africans perceive it as a modern overseer, monitoring the continent’s every move to safeguard U.S. interests.

The leader of AFRICOM, U.S. General Michael Langley, has come under fire for playing a role many view as deeply symbolic of a painful legacy. Critics argue that Langley is being used as a modern-day Sambo — a Black face fronting White imperialism — deployed to carry out U.S. objectives that ultimately undermine African sovereignty. His position gives the illusion of racial solidarity, but for many on the ground in Africa, it feels like betrayal from within. Just as previous generations saw Black intermediaries used during colonial rule to pacify resistance, Langley’s leadership is seen by some as an extension of that same oppressive playbook — a strategic move to divide and conquer under the guise of protection and partnership.

A Watchful Presence

AFRICOM’s intelligence directorate, known as J2, collaborates with international partners to manage defense intelligence across Africa. Their mission: to disrupt transnational threats, protect U.S. personnel and facilities, prevent and mitigate conflict, and build defense capabilities in order to promote regional stability and prosperity. However, this extensive surveillance raises concerns about sovereignty and the true intent behind such operations.

Strategic Footprints

The command’s reach extends through numerous military bases and partnerships. In Niger, for instance, AFRICOM operated drone bases crucial for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. These installations, while positioned as counterterrorism efforts, also serve as strategic footholds, ensuring the U.S. remains informed and influential in African affairs.

Training Grounds for Turmoil

AFRICOM’s training programs have come under scrutiny. Officers trained under U.S. programs have been implicated in coups across the continent, including in Mali and Burkina Faso. Such outcomes suggest that these initiatives may inadvertently (or deliberately) destabilize regions, aligning with a divide-and-conquer approach that benefits external powers.

A Call for Sovereignty

As AFRICOM continues its operations, many Africans advocate for genuine partnerships that respect sovereignty and prioritize the continent’s interests. The narrative of assistance and development must be critically examined to ensure that Africa’s future is shaped by its people, free from external manipulation.