After three years at the helm of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, appointed in August 2022, is stepping down. He will be succeeded by General Dagvin Anderson, whose appointment has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The leadership change marks a structural shift within AFRICOM, with Morocco expected to play a key role in the new configuration, according to Defense24. «The United States is set to establish an independent military command for operations in Africa, following Senate approval of a new commander for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). This decision marks the official separation of AFRICOM from the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF), signaling a strategic shift in Washington's approach to military engagement on the African continent. According to unofficial reports, Morocco is being considered as the likely location for the new command headquarters», the outlet reports, adding that the move comes amid intensifying geopolitical competition on the continent, particularly with China and Russia. The choice of Morocco is seen as strategic, providing «a geographically strategic position in North Africa, facilitating logistics, coordination with allies, and rapid deployment capabilities». The report also highlights that Morocco «is a long-standing U.S. security partner and hosts regular joint military exercises, including the large-scale African Lion drills». Since June 2004, Morocco has held the status of a major non-NATO ally of the U.S. Just two months ago, General Langley rejected the idea of moving AFRICOM's headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany, to Morocco, during a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. «From an operational perspective, the cost-benefit analysis... the benefit of moving to Morocco wouldn't exceed the cost», he stated, responding to a question from Republican Congressman Abraham Hamadeh. «I would say from a cost analysis perspective, I think we are advantageous where we are right now when we look at the overall cost. We would not be benefiting from moving our headquarters onto the African continent», Langley added. AFRICOM has been based in Stuttgart since its establishment in 2007. In a message to King Mohammed VI on August 2, on the occasion of Throne Day, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the strength of U.S.-Moroccan relations: «The United States deeply values our strong and enduring partnership with Morocco», he said. «Together, we are advancing shared priorities for peace and security in the region, including by building on the Abraham Accords, combatting terrorism and expanding commercial cooperation that benefits both Americans and Moroccans».
