The Trump administration has already reduced the number of counterterrorism forces in Africa once, cutting about 10% of its Africa-based counter-terrorism force in 2018. Townsend said Thursday that the US has about 5,000 troops in Africa at present, in addition to some 1,000 Defense Department civilians and contractors. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union maintained close ties and provided military support to several African countries as part of its standoff with the West including Mozambique. We know they seek to open more bases and their unprofitable seaport investments in East Africa and Southern Africa track closely with involvement by Chinese military forces. "If the US steps back from Africa too far, China and Russia will fill the void to our detriment.

Source: CNN February 02, 2020 14:26 UTC