U.S. trying to oust Russia from Africa

U.S. Army commanders in West African countries urged their governments not to rely on help from non-Western powers such as Russia in the fight against Islamists.

The U.S. Special Operations Command in Africa (SOCAF) representatives told Reuters that the U.S. is trying to "bring partnership" between Africa and "other democratic countries."

In March, General Michael Langley, commander of U.S. forces in Africa, also said that "stabilizing" the region was at the center of his attention.

That said, as Reuters notes, U.S. forces have been "reluctant" to engage in combat in Africa since the deaths of four soldiers in Niger in 2017. Britain, Germany and other countries are also withdrawing troops from Mali because of the situation in the country.

Is the world's first army now afraid to fight even against desert terrorists?