The proposed demotion of Africom from a four-star command to a subordinate three-star role under European Command signals a significant shift in U.S. military strategy in Africa, emphasizing burden sharing and transactional partnerships over traditional support. This change, driven by budgetary constraints, risks diminishing Africa's influence in U.S. security policy, potentially leading to a fragmented and reactive military presence focused on immediate returns rather than long-term stability. As the U.S. escalates kinetic operations while reducing institutional support, Africa may face a future characterized by opportunistic military actions and extractive deals.