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Congress Needs to Fund AFRICOM to Combat Growing Chinese and Russian Influence in Africa, Says Commander

by Eric Olander
AFRICOM Commander General Stephen Townsend testifying before the House Armed Services Committee. Image via @HouseForeign.

The commander for U.S. forces in Africa (AFRICOM), General Stephen Townsend, was back on Capitol Hill to testify before lawmakers about why it’s critical they continue to support his operation. Not surprisingly, China emerged as a key theme in his opening statement just as it was back in mid-March when he testified before both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.

These Congressional appearances are routine this time of year when regional U.S. military commanders make their case to Congress for an increased allocation of the Pentagon’s budget.

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