Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Top leaders in the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) have accused Russia and China of launching massive disinformation campaigns throughout Africa. According to AFRICOM, the goal of these campaigns is “ to sabotage American actions in Africa.”
Lt. Gen. Brennan responded to criticism from groups such as President Putin’s Africa Corps by saying that AFRICOM would rather “have our actions speak for themselves.”
This announcement was made during a press briefing on July 28, 2025, when Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, and Lieutenant General John W. Brennan, Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, discussed their recent trips to Angola and Namibia.
These top leaders accused both Russia and China of allegedly disseminating disinformation regarding what the US is doing in Africa, and they said they are actively combating misinformation propagated by the alleged countries.
The fundamental tenet of U.S. engagement, as highlighted by Lt. Gen. Brennan, is “We always seek African solutions to African problems.” In contrast to other international actors, he emphasized that all U.S. training and exercises are “African-led, partner-led, and ally-enabled.”
He pointed out that the U.S. gives African partners the authority to direct their own training initiatives, in contrast to some other countries, such as China and Russia, whose staff frequently serve as “training aides” rather than supporting African leadership.
During their briefings, they both reaffirmed America’s commitment to promoting stability and collective defense in Africa through partnerships that emphasize local leadership and affordable, African-led solutions.
In response to worries about a “patron-client dynamic,” Lt. Gen. Brennan reaffirmed that partnership is at the heart of the U.S. strategy. Exercises like Obangame Express, Ambassador Scott continued, are intended to support programs and frameworks created by African countries themselves, strengthening the objectives of mutual security without compromising national sovereignty.
He pointed to North Carolina’s fruitful collaboration with Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana as evidence of the program’s worth. Although the U.S. state for Angola’s partnership has been identified, the official announcement has not yet been made.
Lt. Gen. Brennan stressed the value of preventative security when asked about AFRICOM’s focus in Angola and Namibia, nations that are not currently facing serious jihadist threats. He noted that jihadist organizations are active on both countries’ borders, with ISIS franchises in South Africa and Mozambique.
Additionally, he brought attention to a growing issue with Mexican drug cartels operating out of South Africa and coastal West Africa. According to him, the objective is to prevent these threats from affecting Namibia and Angola and to equip them for any obstacles that may arise in the future through continuous training, exercises, and equipment provision.
In response to a question concerning the expansion of U.S. military and defense cooperation throughout Southern Africa, Lt. Gen. Brennan said, “In short, yes.” He emphasized the long-standing partnership with SADC, citing Botswana as a crucial security hub.
Lt. Gen. Brennan further said that in order to support vital missions like counterterrorism operations (such as ATMIS and AUSSOM in Somalia) and the fight against illegal drug and human trafficking, the United States aims to expand its network of security partners.
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