Strengthening Relations or Securing Resources? AFRICOM and US Military Interest in Africa

Abstract

The September 11, 2001 attacks on American soil set into motion a new heightened level of international scrutiny and action. In response to the supposed foreign attacks, President G.W. Bush announced his plan for a War on Terrorism. Amidst the implementation of various anti-terrorist inspired mechanisms such as the creation of the US Department of Homeland Security, the Patriot Act, and a color-coded threat level chart, the Bush administration also refocused its aims on radical activity in Africa. Citing failed states on the continent as a national security hazard due to their alleged terrorist recruiting and harboring activities, in 2007 the Pentagon announced the creation of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in order to defend the region from terrorist influences. AFRICOM is a unified command agency, which centralizes and regulates all US military relations throughout the continent of Africa.The official mission statement of AFRICOM declares the function of the organization to be for the US Department of Defense to coordinate, assist, and bolster the anti-terrorism efforts of sovereign African nations. It reads: Unlike traditional Unified Commands, Africa Command will focus on war prevention rather than war-fighting. Africa Command intends to work with African nations and African organizations to build regional security and crisis-response capacity in support of U.S. government efforts in Africa.Despite the rhetoric of cooperation and non-military intervention, the establishment of AFRICOM has raised the eyebrows of many critics. Some assert that the true interests of the United States in Africa are not those that are reflective of African unity or prosperity. Critics vocalize accusations that the United States is utilizing their War on Terrorism as a guise under which they can secure a military foothold in geo-strategic points throughout the African continent; many of which points have significant deposits of highly sought after natural resources. Fears of a neo-colonial resurgence that would threaten the sovereignty of African nations also surround the controversy over AFRICOM. What could be the long-term effects of a renewed US military force in Africa? What implications could this force have on the foreign policies of some African nations? Will the creation of AFRICOM bring security and political tranquility to unstable African governments? These are but a few of the question that will be tackled in this paper. This essay seeks to examine and critique the role of AFRICOM in US-African relations and to explore the possible benefits and detriments the establishment presents to African countries. The methodology utilized for this study consists primarily of document analysis of scholarly materials (journal articles, editorials, books, policy statements, etc.). Africa’s growing geo-strategic significance has put the continent back on the radars of world powers. Therefore, in order to comprehensively access Africa’s future, one must investigate the motives and aims of international players in Africa.