Will Cameroon host more American soldiers soon?.

While AFRICOM did not directly confirm reports of a new deployment or provide a timeline for any additional forces, it emphasised that US military engagement with Cameroon has remained continuous.

The United States reaffirmed its longstanding military partnership with Cameroon, stressing that its current military presence in the country is part of ongoing security cooperation rather than the establishment of a new permanent deployment.

In response to my questions, the AFRICOM Spokesperson said the United States continues to work closely with the Cameroonian armed forces at the invitation of the government of Cameroon.

"The US has a long history of security cooperation with the Cameroonian armed forces," the Spokesperson said. 

"At the invitation of the government of Cameroon, the United States frequently deploys teams to partner with the Cameroonian armed forces on various training activities."

According to the Spokesperson, the US military currently has "a small force supporting a training event that just concluded," as well as "a small assessment team focused on evaluating future training opportunities," aimed at strengthening Cameroon's ability to respond to terrorist threats.

AFRICOM also highlighted recent maritime cooperation between the two countries, noting that the United States partnered with the Cameroon Navy during the regional maritime security exercise Obangame Express.

Shared security priorities

According to AFRICOM, Washington's security priorities in Cameroon closely align with those of the Cameroonian government.

"Our security objectives align with the security objectives of Cameroon, particularly with a focus on countering violent extremist organisations and improving maritime security," the Spokesperson said.

Cameroon continues to face persistent security challenges from extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad Basin, while also working to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region affected by piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime.

No break in military cooperation

When asked what had prompted renewed US military engagement, following the 2019 troop withdrawal, the Spokesperson rejected the premise that military cooperation had ever stopped.

"The US military has maintained a persistent partnership with Cameroon for many years," the Spokesperson said. 

"Our training footprint is coordinated closely with, and at the explicit invitation of the Cameroonian government to address evolving, mutual security threats."

The response suggests that current activities represent a continuation of an existing security relationship rather than a reversal of US policy.

Building Cameroon's capabilities

AFRICOM said its objective is to strengthen, rather than replace Cameroon's own defense capabilities.

"Cameroon remains a willing and capable partner, and our efforts enable and further Cameroon's security initiatives," the Spokesperson said. 

"We will work together to determine what capabilities are needed to address our shared threats, with particular focus on countering violent extremist organisations and improving maritime security."

The Spokesperson did not specify what additional military capabilities or equipment could be introduced through future cooperation.

Regional security remains a priority

Beyond Cameroon, AFRICOM underscored the importance of regional partnerships across Central and West Africa.

"The US has a valued and ongoing partnership with Cameroon, as we do with other partners in the region," the Spokesperson added. 

"We remain open to expanding our efforts with regional partners to address shared threats."

The Spokesperson also noted that AFRICOM recently participated in the Africa Chiefs of Defense Conference, hosted by Angola; where military leaders from across the continent discussed regional security, defense cooperation, and strategies; aimed at promoting long-term stability, investment, and economic growth.

Although speculation continues over the future scope of US military presence in Cameroon, AFRICOM's responses indicate that Washington continues to view Cameroon as an important security partner. 

While the command stopped short of confirming a new deployment, it made clear that bilateral military cooperation, including training, assessments, joint exercises, and capacity-building efforts remain an important component of US- Cameroon security relations.

By Mohamadou Houmfa*