Washington conducted the B-52 strategic bombing exercises in East Africa. This was reported by the African Command of the US Armed Forces (AFRICOM).

“In East Africa, with the participation of partners, B-52 aircraft exercises were held. This long-range training flight without weapons emphasizes the global reach and responsiveness of the US military. It also reflects our versatility and continued devotion to our partners, ”AFRICOM informs on its Twitter page.

In concert with partners, A B-52 training mission occurred in East Africa. This long-range, unarmed training mission showcases the global reach and agility of US forces. It also reflects our versatility and continued commitment to our partners. pic.twitter.com/DJaEKf1oN8

- US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) February 15, 2020

Earlier, on February 12, the Pentagon announced that the US Secretary of Defense was ordering "to deploy units of the 1st security assistance brigade on the continent" in order to "increase the effectiveness of competition with China and Russia in Africa."

“Its mission will be to conduct training, counseling and assistance missions in key African states. This is the first of many decisions regarding the mission of the African command of the US Armed Forces, ”said the statement of the spokeswoman for the US defense department Alissa Farah.

The report also emphasizes that such units will "participate in the important" confrontation between the great powers. "

“Security assistance teams are staffed, trained and equipped based on the mission objectives of training, counseling and assistance. Thanks to this, they can more effectively and efficiently, than conventional troops, participate in the important “confrontation between the great powers,” said the representative of the US Department of Defense.

The department also clarified that the deployment of these forces is scheduled "in the coming weeks" and is designed to demonstrate the "continued commitment" of the United States to African partners.

The fact that for Washington, competition with Moscow and Beijing in Africa is one of the important directions in foreign policy, said a few days ago the commander of the US Army, Major General Roger Cloutier.

"Confrontation with Russia and China on the (African. - RT ) continent is of great importance," - said in a statement published on the Pentagon website.

According to Klutier, the Russian Federation and China "are active" throughout Africa, including in the military sphere.

“In some areas, there is a constant and systematic activity of Russia, in others - an increase in activity,” the military leader noted.

  • Pentagon building
  • AFP

However, the Major General refused to answer the question of the journalist about the size of the Russian contingent in Africa.

At the same time, according to the American military leader, the tasks of Russia's activity in Africa "are mainly due to selfish interests - they are aimed at extracting resources."

“Apparently, Russia seeks to take a position on the southern flank of NATO,” Klutier said.

Demonstrate Strength

Experts explain the conduct of US exercises in Africa and similar rhetoric by Washington’s desire to "demonstrate strength."

“Washington wants to show that it has not only economic, but also military influence on the situation that is developing or may develop on the African continent,” said Andrei Sidorov, head of the department of international organizations and world political processes at the Moscow State University’s faculty of world politics, in an interview with RT.

The expert of the International Institute for Humanitarian and Political Studies Vladimir Bruter shares this point of view.

"Given the latest statements by the US military leadership about its intention to compete with Russia and China, the American side now wants to demonstrate its strength," said the analyst.

According to Bruter, the United States intentionally presented exclusively in a negative way that the Russian Federation is developing a number of deposits in African countries.

“Natural resource extraction in foreign countries, of course, has not only a negative connotation, but also a positive one. The only question is under what conditions does this happen, how does the country develop. Russia helps African partners to extract natural resources, for them this is a huge plus, a factor in economic growth, ”the analyst explained.

At the same time, he recalled that the monopoly that Washington had for a long time in Africa "only negatively influenced it - the continent did not develop at the same time."

“Those natural resources, which were then extracted here, were mercilessly exploited in favor of the West. Moreover, it was thanks to Russia that the United States failed to privatize all African wealth, ”the expert said.

  • Exercises "African Lion - 2019"
  • © US Air Force

"Destructive actions"

It is also worth noting that, as Roger Cloutier, the commander of the US Army, emphasized, the American side is focusing on building up the military capabilities of its partners in Africa and creating “defensive institutions”. In addition, Washington intends to assist African countries in solving their problems. Major General also said that the United States is conducting hundreds of security cooperation activities in the region.

As an example, Cloutier called the teachings of the "African Lion." According to him, maneuvers are scheduled for the end of March - April 2020. According to the military leader, more than 9 thousand military personnel will take part in them, including at least 4 thousand American soldiers.

At the same time, Klutier noted that, in his opinion, Washington wins the competition on the African continent from Moscow and Beijing.

“If we compare what the US armed forces have with what Russia and China have, then we will have an advantage,” said the Major General.

Experts note that, accusing Russia of spreading influence in Africa, Washington seeks to "find excuse for its expansionist actions" on the continent.

  • US Army Soldiers in Djibouti
  • Reuters
  • © US Air Force / Senior Airman Daniel Hernandez / Handout

As noted by Andrei Sidorov, Russia is “an extremely familiar potential adversary for the United States,” whose “danger” you can always justify your destructive policy, including in Africa.

“Washington always points a finger at Moscow, trying to revive the memory of the Cold War in the memory of several generations of Americans. In addition, the US with enviable persistence feeds the information space with messages about the ephemeral “Russian threat”, the expert stated.

At the same time, from the point of view of analysts, Cloutier’s words about the "competitive advantage" of the United States on the African continent "should not be seriously considered."

“Obviously, Washington is likely to lose its position in Africa, despite loud statements and attempts to show its significance in the region,” says Vladimir Bruter.

Andrei Sidorov, in turn, noted that the role of Russia on the African continent, on the contrary, is becoming increasingly visible.

“At the highest level, Moscow often becomes a mediator in regional disputes in African countries. In addition, the Russian Federation is able to project its power and influence in a precise way both in Africa and around the world, ”the expert concluded.