The United States will adjust its presence in Africa; there is no talk of a complete withdrawal of military personnel from there, Pentagon chief Mark Esper told reporters at a briefing.
“We are adjusting the presence in Africa”, – Esper said. The head of the Pentagon did not comment on how such an adjustment would be implemented. However, according to him, this is carried out as part of a competition strategy with world powers – Russia and China.
“We will not completely withdraw our forces from Africa”, – he stressed.
In late December, the New York Times, citing a source, reported that US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was considering proposals for a massive reduction in military personnel in West Africa, including the complete withdrawal of troops. According to the publication, discussions are underway about the cessation of assistance to the French military in the fight against militants in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso and the withdrawal of troops from the recently rebuilt drones base in Niger.