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US Military Chief in Africa Argues for Vital US Presence

Associated Press

   DAKAR, SENEGAL - The head of U.S. military forces in Africa argued
   Thursday against troop cuts on the vast and booming continent, saying
   strategic partnerships in combating a growing extremist threat and
   assertive Chinese and Russian influence cannot be sacrificed.

   ``A secure and stable Africa remains an enduring American interest,''
   GeneralStephen J. Townsend told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
   ``In the past, maybe we've been able to pay less attention to Africa
   and be OK in America. I don't believe that's the case for the future.''

   It is not clear when Defense Secretary Mark Esper will decide on
   possible military cuts as part of a global review with the goal of
   tightening the focus on China and Russia. Esper on Thursday said that
   ``we are not going to totally withdraw forces from Africa'' and
   acknowledged the concerns that have included a rare bipartisan outcry
   in Congress.

   TheprospectofU.S. military cuts worries allies such as France,
   especially in the arid Sahel region of West Africa as fighters
   affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group move into more
   populated areas. And in East Africa, three Americans were killed this
   month in the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab's first attack against U.S.
   forces in Kenya, with several U.S. aircraft destroyed.

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