Highlights
– Africa has not been a priority continent under the previous command alignment structure
– AFRICOM is planned to be nearly invisible, but the command is already unpopular across the continent
– AFRICOM will only be effective, if it works closely with Africans and African nations
In October 2007, the US military reorganized its forces in Africa. Prior to this reorganization most of Africa was divided between European Command (EUCOM), Central Command (CENTCOM), and Pacific Command (PACOM). With a budget of $50 million a year, AFRICOM will provide support to 53 nations in Africa, including the island nations surrounding it. Only Egypt, because of its proximity and importance to the Middle East will remain under CENTCOM.
For American commanders the creation of AFRICOM will consolidate responsibility over a continent that the three other regional commands viewed as secondary. However, US presence in Africa is nothing new, as the US spends $250 million per year on African military-assistance programs, and since 2002 has stationed around 1,800 military personnel in Djibouti. Additionally, as recently as October 1, 2007, the USS Fort McHenry arrived in Senegal and began preparation for a six-month training exercise with African naval forces around the Gulf of Guinea.
The Goals of AFRICOM
The creation of AFRICOM comes in the wake of increased US awareness of Africa’s role in the war against terrorism, as well as Africa’s oil supply. The US government has tried to allay some African fears that the creation of AFRICOM is an effort to militarize Africa, hunt down terrorists, and gain African oil. Vice Admiral Robert T. Moeller, AFRICOM’s deputy for military operations, admits that US strategic interests will come first, but that the goal of AFRICOM is not to deploy thousands of troops across the continent. Instead, the structure of the command will likely consist of four to five small bases with no deployments, which the US hopes will make their presence largely invisible. AFRICOM commander General William Ward hopes that the new command structure will strengthen and improve security, as well as reduce poverty and corruption in the region.
African Reaction
Initial response to the creation of AFRICOM has been primarily negative by a large number of African countries. Many Africans are fearful that an increased US presence in Africa will mean more US involvement in the continent. Many of the African nations are especially distrustful of what they believe is the militarization of US aid to Africa. Under AFRICOM, key civilian US government agencies will for the first time be integrated into the military command. Other nations, citing US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, fear that US intervention will make Africa a target for America’s enemies. South Africa, the major power in southern Africa is opposed to the creation of AFRICOM and US bases being established on the continent. Recently, Nigeria pulled out of contention to host AFRICOM.
Currently, there are only a few nations that support the establishment of AFRICOM. Uganda’s Minister of State for Defense believes the command will only help to increase stability and fight terrorism on the continent. Liberia, a nation founded by free African slaves from America has offered to host AFRICOM, but the command headquarters will remain in Germany for the remainder of the year.
The Future of AFRICOM
The first objective of AFRICOM, if it is to succeed, must be to convince Africans that the US military is not in Africa for malevolent or self-serving purposes. Many experts believe that if the US military can calm the fears of African nations, and remain mission focused then AFRICOM can succeed.
However, critics argue that the US will have to go to tremendous lengths to do so, and many believe the new command may cause greater trouble for Africa and the US.
If AFRICOM can achieve its initial mission, the US will gain a key ally in the War on Terror and provide a stabilizing influence in the region.
