The US Africa Command (Africom) is ramping up military support to Angola and Namibia to counter emerging threats from ISIS affiliates and drug cartels operating from South Africa and coastal West Africa. While these countries currently face minimal jihadist activity, Africom’s strategy is preventative: It aims to bolster regional security through joint training, technology, and maritime surveillance. Officials also highlighted how military cooperation supports economic development, citing projects like the Lobito Corridor, which could only have been possible thanks to robust security along the corridor. Furthermore, Africom is pushing for the inclusion of Angola and Namibia in US-backed joint military exercises like African Lion and Obangame Express, which involve 30-50 countries. The overall aim is to empower local forces to address future threats and reduce the need for direct US military involvement.
DailyMaverick
