U.S. military eyes Ghana for new base amid Niger withdrawal; AFRICOM Chief confirms West Africa engagements

Marine Corps General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), has confirmed his recent travels to coastal West African countries, including Ghana, following the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Niger in May.

The troops were stationed in Niger to monitor regional extremism until the ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum led to a planned complete withdrawal by September 15, 2024.

General Langley highlighted concerns about extremist organizations exploiting weak governance in coastal West Africa, emphasizing the region's deteriorating security situation.

AFRICOM aims to engage with these countries to address security challenges through a comprehensive approach, focusing on partnership-building, capacity-building, and promoting stability aligned with the Global Fragility Act.