General Michael Langley is a United States (US) Marine Corps, who became the sixth Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in August 2022.
He is based in Stuttgart, Germany. AFRICOM is one of seven joint geographic combatant commands, overseeing all U.S. military operations and strategic interests across the African continent.
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As a General Officer, General Michael Langley has held several key command positions, including Deputy Commanding General of II Marine Expeditionary Force and Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
He also served as Commander of Marine Forces Europe and Africa and held dual roles as Deputy Commanding General and later Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force Atlantic. His leadership culminated in his appointments as Commanding General of both Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.
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Michael Langley Education Background & Career
He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 1985.
Additionally, he has a formal military education, having attended the US Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and the College of Naval Command and Staff.
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He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in National Security Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College and a degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
Throughout his career, he has led units from the platoon to the regimental level, including Battery K, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines during wildfire operations in the Western US, 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan and advisory and support commands in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom.
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His Remarks on Africa
General Langley has recently been in the limelight over his remarks on a partnership-centric approach to US military strategy in Africa.
In his comments made before the US Senate on April 3, Michael Langley criticized certain African countries for the increased corruption, political instability, and a rise in military coups.
“West Africa has a complex mix of challenges. The region has recently experienced a wave of military coups, with countries like Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, and Niger facing upheaval as military officers ousted elected governments. These disruptions stem from entrenched corruption, slow economic development, weak democratic institutions, and limited strategic patience,” he commented.
However, he supports letting African countries lead in solving their problems, like terrorism, crime, and climate change. Langley said that the US should work with African nations in a way that respects their goals and independence.
During Langley’s presentation, the US Senate criticized President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso- accusing him of diverting his country’s gold reserves for personal interest at the expense of his people.
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US-China War
Further, the military chief criticized the influence of China on Africa, stating that China is the world’s worst offender of illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUU-F), much of it done in African waters.
“Foreign information manipulation and interference are prevalent as China exploits their relationships in Africa for economic gain and to secure critical minerals and resources,” statement read.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of collaboration with African nations, aligning U.S. support with their priorities and sovereignty.
But his remarks sparked reactions, with leaders and parties denying the allegations by Langley. In response, Burkinabe’s government condemned Langley’s remarks, terming them “regrettable”.
South Africa’s opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), also weighed in. In a statement, EFF condemned what it called “continued interference in African nations’ affairs” by the west.
In the statement, the Julius Malema-led party accused the West of attempting to control African resources.
“We condemn the West’s continued interference in African nations’ affairs and their attempts to control our resources. The EFF supports Captain Traoré’s efforts to reclaim Burkina Faso’s gold for the benefit of its people and to resist neo-colonial pressure,” EFF stated.
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