Helping General Anderson Win in Africa
The United States faces mounting challenges in Africa, where the growing influence of China, Russia and Islamist terrorist groups threaten the U.S. geopolitical position on the continent.
That message was heard loudly at last week’s Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Vice Admiral Frank Bradley, tapped to lead the United States Special Operations Command, and Lieutenant General Dagvin Anderson, nominated to head the U.S. Africa Command. The SOCOM and AFRICOM posts are central to meeting challenges to US interests in Africa.
Committee members and the two nominees expressed concerns about Chinese military expansion in Africa, particularly its pursuit of port access, Russia trading security services for mineral rights that support its attack on Ukraine, and Islamist terrorist gains, particularly in West Africa. These gains come at U.S. expense. Lt. Gen. Anderson said that China and Russia view their fortunes running through Africa. The question of the day is does the United States see it’s own fortunes in any way tied to Africa?
Chairman Wicker’s opening statement stressed that these two commands are under-resourced. Other Senators agreed. While Democrats were pointed in criticizing cuts to the State Department, USAID, and international broadcasting, several Republicans also warned of losing soft power in Africa. This led to discussion of making the most of the resources that are available.
To that end, the Senators and two military leaders stressed the importance of making the U.S. presence in Africa more than the sum of its parts. Lt Gen. Anderson spoke of the need to “maximize [resources] and to find where we can complement each other,” specifying coordination he has witnessed between AFRICOM, the intelligence community, the FBI, and State Department. A recurring hearing theme was that everyone needs to be working well together.
The Diplomatic Studies Foundation agrees, and focuses on training to make the U.S. embassy’s “country team” as efficient as it can be. DSF has conducted impactful two-day training seminars aimed at better coordinating the work of the State Department, Defense Department, intelligence agencies, Commerce Department and others typically represented at U.S. embassies. We also have developed course material for undergraduate and graduate-level seminars, being committed to preparing the next generation of diplomats, military and intelligence officers.
One surprise was the focus on AFRICOM helping the U.S. private sector, not a typical Pentagon interest. Chairman Wicker stated that AFRICOM should focus more on economics. Lt Gen. Anderson testified that AFRICOM is well positioned to convene U.S. investors, particularly in the critical minerals sector. Commercial engagement in Africa is far more potent against both terrorists and nation state competitors than the application of military force.
The Trump administration recently rolled out a commercial diplomacy strategy for Africa. AFRICOM should explore ways to be part of it, leveraging its strong reputation to help U.S. investors navigate Africa. A USIP report on critical minerals in Africa recommended that AFRICOM provide training in this sector to African partners. A practical first step would be for AFRICOM to integrate closely with country team commercial diplomacy efforts.
Africa is a tough operating environment, maybe the toughest. But its geopolitical importance is clear, as Senators stressed, especially as critical mineral demand surges. Adversaries are engaging in Africa. The U.S. must too, strategically and efficiently. VADM Bradely and Lt Gen. Anderson, both highly respected leaders in the special operations community, appeared to enjoy the Committee’s strong support. They should hit the blocks running.