By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The U.S. military presence in Africa dates back several years, not something that began recently. While European powers once led most of the continent’s security and peacekeeping efforts, the United States has increasingly partnered with African governments to combat terrorism, strengthen intelligence networks, and promote regional stability.
Although smaller in scale compared to Europe’s historical deployments, American forces now operate in selected African nations through permanent bases, drone stations, and rotational military arrangements.
These installations play vital roles in intelligence cooperation, counterterrorism training, crisis response, and security support. Many are equipped with sophisticated U.S. military systems, including drones, radar arrays, and armoured vehicles.
According to Vanguard, below are five African countries hosting U.S. military facilities or stationed personnel:
1. Djibouti — Camp Lemonnier
Situated in the Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonnier stands as the most prominent American military base on the continent. The site, once home to the French Foreign Legion, was leased to the U.S. in 2002. In 2014, the agreement was extended for another 20 years at an annual fee of $63 million.
Camp Lemonnier functions as a major hub for U.S. counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations directed at threats across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The base also supports a wide range of surveillance and drone activities, enabling missions that reach into Somalia, Yemen, and surrounding regions.
2. Kenya — Manda Bay
In coastal Kenya, the U.S. maintains operations at Manda Bay, a site upgraded around 2006 to expand airfield capacity, personnel accommodation, and mission readiness. The facility plays a critical role in crisis response and regional training, serving broader American strategic interests in East Africa.
On January 5, 2020, the base came under heavy attack when 30–40 al-Shabab militants overran parts of the facility. The assault resulted in the deaths of three Americans, injuries to others, and the destruction of six aircraft. Operations have since continued alongside Kenyan forces.
3. Niger — Air Base 101 (Niamey) & Air Base 201 (Agadez)
The United States operates two major installations in Niger:
- Air Base 101 — Niamey
- Air Base 201 — Agadez
Both facilities have been central to drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations across the Sahel. U.S. personnel stationed at these bases have also provided training and support to Nigerien forces in their campaign against extremist groups active throughout the region.
According to U.S. officials, their presence helped curb militant networks in the region. However, following diplomatic tensions in 2024, Niger ordered U.S. forces to withdraw, prompting the gradual exit of American military personnel.
4. Egypt — MFO South Camp (Sinai)
The United States contributes forces to the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO), stationed in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The MFO was created to enforce the 1979 Israel–Egypt peace treaty, supporting stability along the border.
Additionally, the U.S. operates a medical research centre in Cairo known as NAMRU, which focuses on detecting and preventing infectious diseases — an important element of regional public health security.
5. Cameroon — Contingency Location Garoua
In northern Cameroon, the U.S. runs Contingency Location Garoua, a forward site established to counter violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin. American military personnel at this location assist Cameroonian defence forces through training programmes, intelligence sharing, and surveillance operations.
This cooperation is part of broader U.S. engagement against Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, groups responsible for regional instability.