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US Noncommittal on Keeping Troops in Africa

Jeff Seldin

   PENTAGON - The United States is refusing to rule out shrinking the size
   of its military presence in Africa despite warnings that without
   Washington's help, critical counterterror efforts could fall apart.

   French Defense Minister Florence Parly delivered the latest plea for
   continued U.S. involvement in the counterterror fight Monday during
   talks with top U.S. military officials at the Pentagon.

   But following the meeting, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said
   Washington had to take into account other urgent priorities.

   "We are focused on great power competition, first with China, then
   Russia," Esper told reporters. "My aim is to adjust our [military]
   footprint in many places. No decisions have been made."

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