AFRICOM Chief Refutes Allegations of Establishing a Military Base in Zambia
The head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, firmly denied allegations made by Zimbabwean government officials that the United States is militarizing Zambia and planning to relocate AFRICOM operations from Germany. Speaking at an online press briefing, Langley addressed these claims directly from an African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Botswana.
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Langley categorically dismissed the notion of the U.S. establishing a military base in Zambia. “That’s absolutely false,” he stated. “We have no bases in Zambia. We have no plans to put one there.” He reiterated that the U.S.’s strategy in Africa is “African-led and U.S.-enabled,” emphasizing deep partnerships and increased security cooperation without a physical military footprint in Zambia.
Zimbabwean officials have not commented on Langley’s remarks. However, Rutendo Matinyarare, chairperson of the pro-government Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement, alleged that Langley held a briefing in Lusaka and that American military equipment had been observed at Zambia’s airport. Matinyarare questioned, “What are these weapons doing in Zambia?”
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema refuted claims of U.S. militarization, clarifying that Zambia’s army engages in exchange programs with multiple countries, including the U.S. He stressed that these programs should not be mistaken for the establishment of a U.S. base.
Zambia has sought the intervention of two regional bodies, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, to mediate talks with Zimbabwe. Both nations are members of these organizations. The tension reportedly stems from comments made by Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa during a trip to Russia, accusing the U.S. of militarizing Zambia to consolidate regional power and isolate Zimbabwe.
Western countries imposed travel and financial sanctions on Zimbabwe’s leadership and affiliated companies in the early 2000s due to alleged election rigging and human rights abuses. Although the U.S. recently lifted sanctions on most Zimbabweans, prominent figures, including Mnangagwa, remain on the list.
Langley noted that the defense conference provided a platform to address top regional security challenges throughout Africa. He highlighted that African partners wanted to host the conference to take ownership, while AFRICOM and the U.S. government participated due to shared values and objectives aimed at enhancing stability, security, and prosperity on the continent.
General Langley’s firm denial of Zimbabwe’s claims underscores the U.S.’s commitment to security cooperation in Africa without establishing military bases. As regional tensions persist, the role of diplomatic dialogue and multilateral mediation remains crucial in addressing and resolving misunderstandings between neighboring nations.