U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a hearing on May 15 to examine the posture of United States Central Command and United States Africa Command in light of ongoing operations in the Middle East, recent actions against Iran, rising threats from terrorist organizations, and increasing competition from China and Russia across Africa.
The hearing featured testimony from Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, Commander of United States Central Command, and General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of United States Africa Command. The session aimed to assess how these commands are addressing American interests amid evolving security challenges.
In his opening remarks, Wicker said it is important to sustain pressure on Iran while countering growing threats from terrorist groups as well as strategic rivals such as China and Russia in both regions. He stated: “We convene publicly after a classified session on the posture of U.S.?Central Command and U.S. Africa Command…Let me start by addressing the situation in the Middle East…Throughout Operation Epic Fury, Admiral Cooper commanded our highly trained and courageous men and women in uniform as they executed an exceptional military campaign…That campaign has rendered the Islamic Republic of Iran a shadow of its former self.” Wicker also honored service members lost or injured during recent operations.
Wicker described Iran’s regime as hostile toward the United States since 1979: “Since 1979, Iran’s clerical regime has chosen to make the United States its number-one enemy…The motto of Iran’s ayatollahs has never been ‘God bless Iran’ or ‘long live Iran.’ They have chanted ‘Death to America, Death to Israel.'” He discussed how previous administrations sought de-escalation with Iran but said this approach allowed Tehran time to develop its nuclear program.
Turning attention to Africa’s strategic importance for U.S. national security interests, Wicker said: “China is leveraging economic coercion, debt diplomacy, and military basing to support President Xi’s global ambitions…Through its mercenaries and other proxies, Russia is destabilizing fragile states.” He called for updates from General Anderson about Chinese and Russian objectives in Africa along with efforts by U.S. forces there.
Wicker also highlighted persistent terrorist threats across Africa: “Al-Qaeda and ISIS senior leadership now reside in Africa…Their murderous ambitions are not confined to that continent.” He asked what resources are needed for effective counterterrorism operations.
Wicker’s office assists Mississippians with casework involving federal agencies including veterans affairs or Social Security; he previously represented Mississippi’s First Congressional District; began his public service career as a page before serving at various levels; served as student body president at University of Mississippi where he earned degrees in journalism/political science/law; he enjoys family time with his wife Gayle according to the official website.
