The United States of America (U.S.) has had long entrenched security interests in Africa that date back to Cold War era- in some instances even earlier. The U.S. established its Africa Command (AFRICOM) so as to militarily protect its interests and foster closer ties with African governments.
AFRICOM was established in 2007 and has been operational since 2008 with operations and/or bases in 53 African countries. In his 27 October 2009 article published on the Global Research website, Rick Rozzof considers the implication of the creation of AFRICOM . In “AFRICOM and America's Global Military Agenda: Taking The Helm Of The Entire World” Rozzof highlights the following facts about AFRICOM:
- It is the first overseas military command to be established in fifty years.
- It has more countries under its area of responsibility than any other US military Command.
- It is the only new U.S. regional military command that includes nations formerly under other commands.
On 7 January 2010, political analyst Tichaona Nhamoyebonde published an article in the Zimbabwe Herald questioning the motives of such a command. In “Africom - Latest U.S. Bid to Recolonise the Continent” Nhamoyebonde points out that there is a risk that it ”will open up Africa as a battleground between America and anti-US terrorist groups” and he further argues that it “is a smokescreen behind which America wants to hide its means to secure Africa's oil and other natural resources, nothing more.”
Though his point of view is extreme, there are a number of analysts and commentators who would argue along these lines. The Accra mail on the 30 March 2010 published an editorial on AFRICOM entitled “AFRICOM and the USA’s Hidden Battle for Africa” which argued that the real purpose of its the America’s military intervention on the continent is “the expansion and consolidation of Western capital”.
The Danger of Having a Foreign Command Based in Africa
Dr. Alexander von Paleske ,in “Does Africa need AfriCom”, argues that the U.S. establishment of this command relates to: its need for oil and minerals, the american fight against terror and, the desire to hamper Chinese expansion into Africa.
Arguably, AFRICOM could be seen as a way for the U.S. to entrench its hegemony. For Africa, this state of affairs is untenable. The continent is still grappling with the consequences of colonialism and proxy wars from the Cold War era. Having a foreign command based on its soil ,to an extent, diminishes the successes that have been made in the last few years by the African Union and the individual States.
Paul I. Adujie’s article published on the Global Research website, “AFRICOM: Western Self-Serving Interests or African Security?”, contends that the establishment of AFRICOM is not in Africa’s interest. Like many commentators Adujie questions the intentions of the U.S. governments decision to develop the regional command and questions whether it has more to do with preventing China strengthening its ties on the continent as well as shoring up its oil and mineral supplies.
On the other hand, it may be argued that the presence of AFRICOM would strengthen Africa’s armies to handle global threats such as terrorism. According the U.S. Department of State, "Africa Command (AFRICOM), will play a supportive role as Africans continue to build democratic institutions and establish good governance across the continent."
Where to Next
On May 27 2010, the Obama administration revealed its new national security strategy. It is underpinned by four key priorities: Security, Prosperity, Values and, International Order. The continued activation of AFRICOM may be seen as a tool to achieve the stated priorities.With this in mind, African leaders need to get together to reassess the level of involvement it desires from foreign parties – be it China or the United States of America.
For Africa to truly move forward in its emancipation, there needs to be strategic consideration to the types of relationships it fosters. No relationship should be entered where the other party has inequitable influence on internal political matters. Nhamoyebonde rightly points out that “Africom will be technically and financially superior to any African country's army” which means that America’s level of influence on the continent would be strengthened. He asks: “Who will remove Africom once it is established?”
Odilile Ayodele - Odilile Ayodele is a self-starter, strategic thinker with a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of the ...
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