US Africa Command chief makes pitch for military presence amid reported plans for cuts

The chief of U.S. Africa Command is making a pitch to maintain the U.S. military presence on the continent, as reports circulate about potential cuts to focus on threats from China and Russia.
CNN noted that the Senate Armed Services Committee asked Gen. Stephen Townsend about an ongoing Defense Department review of the military’s combatant commands, which lawmakers think may result in cuts to U.S. troops in Africa.
"I think that in the past, maybe, we've been able to pay less attention to Africa and it be OK for America. I don't believe that's the case for the future," Townsend told the committee.