AFRICOM Commander Tells Lawmakers U.S. Should Care About Africa

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Stephen Townsend responds to a question from Senate Armed Services Committee Chair James Inhofe about Africa's strategic importance to U.S. national security. General Townsend says Africa stands at the "global crossroads," provides possesses important natural resources that America needs, and has a burgeoning population which presents opportunities and challenges for the U.S."I think that In the past maybe we’ve been able to pay attention less to Africa and it would be okay for America. I don’t believe that's the case for the future," General Townsend says. He also warns that China and Russia are

"acting on their own behalf for positional advantage" on the African continent, just as they are in South America. close