ASSESSMENTS
The U.S. Ignores Sub-Saharan Africa at Its Own Peril
Nov 1, 2017 | 16:58 GMT
![Africa has been a key area for the U.S. military to test and tweak its "small footprint" strategy.](https://worldview.stratfor.com/sites/default/files/styles/2x1_full/public/usa-africa.jpg?itok=V_cdDUnh)
Though sub-Saharan Africa has long been low on Washington's list of priorities, the recent proliferation of militant groups in the Sahel offers a stark reminder that the United States ignores the region at its own risk.
(iStock Photos)
Highlights
- Despite the historically low-priority status of sub-Saharan Africa to the U.S. military, the U.S. security focus on the region will continue to grow given the systemic weaknesses that militant groups exploit there.
- The use of a light footprint strategy — including special operations forces, drones, and cooperation with local partners and allies such as France — will enable the United States to project force at minimal cost.
- Although President Donald Trump's administration opposes funding multinational efforts such as U.N. peacekeeping missions, the U.S. military will continue to emphasize local partnerships with nations in sub-Saharan Africa.
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