Trump Replaces AFRICOM Commander: Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson to Succeed Gen. Langley in Strategic Africa Shift

In a significant reshuffle of U.S. military leadership on the African continent, President Donald Trump has approved the appointment of Air Force Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson as the new commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), replacing Marine General Michael Langley as his two-year tenure draws to a close.

The transition marks a new phase in U.S. defense strategy in Africa, coming at a time of evolving security challenges and renewed emphasis on strategic partnerships across the continent. General Langley, who made history in 2022 as the first Black four-star general in the Marine Corps, is stepping down after leading AFRICOM through a complex period marked by coups, counterterrorism operations, and intensified geopolitical competition, particularly with Russia and China increasing their footprint in Africa.

Lt. Gen. Anderson, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in special operations and international military engagement, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to AFRICOM’s role in advancing U.S. interests, combating violent extremism, and strengthening African military capacity.

While the Pentagon has not detailed specific operational shifts, defense analysts suggest that the leadership change aligns with broader White House directives to recalibrate U.S. engagement in Africa, focusing on strategic realignments and bolstering regional stability amid rising instability in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes regions.

“The appointment of Lt. Gen. Anderson signals continuity in our partnership approach, but also reflects a desire to reassess how AFRICOM supports local forces while countering new threats,” said a defense official familiar with the transition.

The United States Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, coordinates military relations with over 50 African nations. As the continent grapples with insurgencies, transnational terrorism, and shifting alliances, the command’s leadership will remain pivotal in shaping U.S. influence and cooperation in the region.

The formal handover is expected in the coming weeks.