Why are we in Africa?

Most are unaware of U.S. operations on the continent

What is the United States military doing in Africa?

After a 2017 ambush in Niger killed four U.S. service members, this question has been on the mind of many. That tragic event was the first time most of us became aware that the U.S. had an active military presence in Africa. Even Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., claimed he was unaware of how many U.S. soldiers and installations are on the continent.

Since the ambush, precious little information has been uncovered about U.S. military operations in Africa. Earlier this year, data from soldiers’ Fitbit watches, which track exercise and GPS movement, inadvertently revealed the location of a number of bases or outposts. More recently, a Freedom of Information

Act request revealed that there are at least 34 U.S. military sites, containing an undisclosed number of troops, scattered through Africa — this is according to the website The Intercept.

So, what is the U.S. doing in Africa?

Officially, the troops stationed there are advising, assisting and training African military. But many of these outposts have provided staging grounds for “boots on the ground” operations, like the fatal expedition in Niger, as well as drone strikes that are often launched in countries the U.S. is not at war with, such as Somalia.

The Congress of the United States never approved these activities. The Senate never consented and the House never expressly funded them. The American people never asked for them.

Most Americans aren’t even aware these operations are going on. And if one took a poll, it is a good bet most Americans would not approve.

We have a constitution in this country. If there is a reason for the U.S. military to be in Africa, the president and the secretary of defense should come to the Congress and make the case. They should come to the Senate for advice and consent. They should come to the House for funding. If the executive wishes to wage war, he must ask for a declaration of war.

Congress must now do its job and show spunk. Its members must raise the question of why we are in Africa and for what purpose and members of Congress must insist on the constitutional prerogatives of each chamber.

Congress must defend its warmaking powers and the constitutional rule of law.