The U.S. Army’s 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade is training militaries throughout Africa to woo countries away from Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.
“As the Army refocuses on China — our pacing challenge — as well as the acute threat posed by Russia, it’s important to recognize that both countries are actively competing in Africa,” Maj. Gen.Todd Wasmund, the commander of Southern European Task Force, Africa, said Monday at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference.
“China and Russia understand very well Africa’s strategic significance, he added. “They are seeking to influence events on the continent in their favor using political influence is information, economic leverage and malign military activity. We also know that violent extremist organizations are a persistent threat.”
Wasmund’s remarks indicate how the brigade has turned largely toward great power competition as it bolsters U.S. military ties in Africa, similar to its counterpart — the 5th SFAB in the Indo-Pacific region — which often finds itself training Asian militaries alongside Chinese advisers.
