US Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the Pentagon will not remove all its forces from Africa. In a statement, Esper said on 30^th January, "We are not going to totally withdraw forces from Africa Esper is carrying out a global troop review meant to find ways to free up more resources to address challenges from China's military in Asia.
Soon after the announcement by Washington of troops withdrawal from over three dozen US Africana bases, the activities of terrorist have increase manifolds especially in Sahel and beyond. The scale and frequency of terrorist attacks reflected that terrorist organizations wanted to convince US leadership not to withdraw the troops and equipment from Africa.

Interestingly, French leadership has especially has expressed concerns about US pullout of forces from various strategic locations in Africa. US and France are partners in combating anti-western extremist elements in Africa from Northern to Southern Africa and from Eastern to Western Africa especially Sahel region, where there is stiff resistance to foreign occupation.

The non-withdrawal of US troops from Africa was authenticated by General Stephen Townsend of US Africa Command, when he said during congress hearing that Africa is key ground for competition with China and Russia.  
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Meanwhile, Washington had been supporting Iran backed elements in African countries through arms and finances against the ingenious Muslims religious and political leadership but now Pentagon claims Iran-backed forces were looking at opportunities to hit back at the US in Africa after the killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq.