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Congressman Donald M. Payne, Chairman of the Subcommittee of Africa and Global Health, held a hearing yesterday entitled “Africa Command: Opportunity for Engagement or the Militarization of the US Africa Relationship?” Payne convened the hearing to ascertain the structure of Africa Command (AFRICOM), President Bush’s new military initiative as well as to gain assurances regarding the US military’s intentions on the continent.
The AFRICOM mission, as detailed by the Department of Defense, will be to assist African countries and regional organizations in strengthening security and stability on the African continent. Through improved security capability, military professionalization and good governance, AFRICOM aims to not only respond to crises but also to engage in conflict prevention activities.
However, before this hearing, the Department of Defense had not presented a detailed explanation of AFRICOM’s structure. While more forthcoming at the hearing, the Defense Department still has not provided a thorough account of AFRICOM’s organizational structure. Congressman Payne commented, “I was shocked and dismayed when I learned from a newspaper of the administration’s plans to establish AFRICOM. Before the announcement, there had been no discussions or consultations with Members of the Subcommittee about the structure or establishment of this command. The lack of discussion with its own branches of government makes me wonder how the US government informed our African partners and allies about this initiative and whether there has been any real consultation with them.”
The establishment of AFRICOM signifies a change in US strategic policies towards the African continent. Factors such as the 1998 US embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, US growing interest in Africa’s natural resources and counterterrorism have necessitated greater US interest in Africa. Payne stated, “The formation of AFRICOM symbolizes that the US is taking a greater interest in the African continent. As the details of Africa Command become finalized, we must make sure that this will be a mutually beneficial arrangement for the US but more importantly for Africa. While there are obviously geo-political reasons behind the establishment of AFRICOM, we must be careful not to engender mistrust among Africans. It is critical that our African allies are thoroughly involved as partners.”
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