The future of U.S. military operations in Somalia is uncertain as the incoming Trump administration is expected to reassess its presence in the country, with potential implications for broader military engagement in Africa. This scrutiny comes after a reversal of the Trump administration’s decision in 2020 to pull U.S. forces from Somalia.
Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), met with Somali troops in September 2024, signaling a continued U.S. advisory role in the country. U.S. forces had returned to Somalia in 2022, primarily in an advisory capacity to support local military efforts, particularly the elite Danab unit in its fight against the al-Shabab militant group. However, former U.S. officials, including J. Peter Pham, argue that the mission should be re-evaluated given the ongoing conflict between Somali forces and Islamic militants.
Pham, who previously served as special envoy to Africa’s Sahel region during Trump’s first term, suggested that the conditions in Somalia no longer justify the risk to American personnel. He emphasized the lack of effective Somali military leadership, referencing the challenges faced by the Danab unit despite U.S. support. “We do not have an effective partner in Mogadishu,” Pham said, echoing concerns about corruption within Somali military ranks.
However, it is important to note that U.S. forces have not been welcomed by many local populations in Somalia and other African countries where they are stationed. Reports indicate that U.S. military presence in these regions has often faced resistance, with civilians accusing American forces of being responsible for numerous attacks targeting non-combatants. In countries like Somalia, where the U.S. has been involved for over 20 years, there is a widespread belief that the military’s presence has not yielded positive results. The situation has raised questions about the effectiveness and justification of long-term U.S. engagements on the continent.
The U.S. military’s strategy in Somalia has been under review since President Joe Biden reinstated a continuous military presence in 2022, reversing Trump’s decision to withdraw forces. Biden’s move aimed to strengthen U.S. support for Somalia’s fight against terrorism, but critics, including former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, have pointed to the inefficiencies in Africa’s military efforts. According to Esper, Trump’s skepticism about the value of U.S. military involvement in Africa led to an initial withdrawal, with the focus shifting towards countering threats from China in other regions.
As the Trump administration considers its stance on AFRICOM, questions persist about the effectiveness of military deployments in Africa and whether they meet U.S. national security interests. U.S. defense policy under Trump’s possible second term could prioritize the Pacific region over African engagements, raising further doubts about the future of operations in Somalia.
The shifting priorities of U.S. defense policy are discussed in a recent report by The Stars and Stripes, which highlights the complexities of U.S. military involvement in Africa and its potential future under the next administration.