AFRICOM’s Getting Busy

AFRICOM has been getting busy recently, which can only mean they are preparing for something big. It seems to be working on its new “defense strategic guidance”, moving into the water, and holding meetings and conferences (NOTE: There is no talk of peace initiatives in the conference agenda).

Most of the coverage is mostly applauding AFRICOM’s growing efforts. However, we should make sure to hold the pause until we have read between the lines. What does AFRICOM’s growth really mean? Why is it growing? What is it actually trying to achieve? 

#AFRICOM2012, Stop the real threat to Uganda

———

“U.S. Africa Command is using the new defense strategic guidance to shape its engagement in the theater by prioritized efforts, focusing on the greatest threats to American interests.”

” ‘In my mind, African Partnership Station embodies everything that is good and unique about Africa Command,” Hooper said. “Why is it so successful? It’s a unique program that allows us to train, teach and mentor, not only the armed forces of those nations in the Gulf of Guinea, but also some of their law enforcement forces.’ ” (In other words, AFRICOM is now able to pervade into not only the military, but also the politics of African countries). 

“And what happens at sea matters, not just for Africa, but for the entire world that depends on access to the global commons, Hooper said. He noted the direct link between maritime security, development, prosperity, stability and peace.” (Hooper must have also forgotten the links to power, control, “the war or terror”, and military domination). 

SOURCES: Diplo News, American Forces Press Service, AllAfrica, PaxPartnership