President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will no longer play a policing role in Kenya and Somalia, a dramatic policy shift that could reshape counterterrorism operations in East Africa.
Trump said America must stop acting as “the world’s police” and insisted Kenya and Somalia must take full responsibility for their war against Al Shabaab. He accused previous administrations of wasting American resources on conflicts far from US borders.
The decision is expected to reduce the US military footprint in Kenya, including operations at bases where American and Kenyan troops have coordinated against the militant group.
In Somalia, the administration has relied heavily on airstrikes rather than ground deployments, and that approach is likely to continue as Washington scales back its direct involvement.
Kenyan and Somali officials expressed alarm at the announcement, warning that al Shabaab could take advantage of the reduced US presence to intensify attacks in the region.
Security analysts noted that the move places greater pressure on African Union forces and regional governments already stretched thin.
While Washington will maintain limited counterterror capabilities and continue targeted strikes against extremist leaders, Trump made clear that frontline responsibility now lies squarely with Nairobi and Mogadishu.
The shift signals a new phase in US policy toward Africa, one that prioritizes America’s domestic concerns over sustained military partnerships abroad.