Deja-vu All Over Again: US Missteps in Promoting Peace in Africa

In: Contemporary security policy, Band 30, Heft 1, S. 32-34

Abstract

This is not the first time Washington launched a major diplomatic initiative in Africa in a ham-handed manner. The United States failed to adequately brief or consult these audiences prior to unveiling a multiyear capacity building effort to develop African peacekeeping capabilities. The change from ACFR to ACRI was more than just cosmetic. The idea of supporting a standing force was replaced with enhancing African willingness and abilities. This was more acceptable, though arguable no more efficacious. African official are hospitable and pragmatic. Initial skepticism and distrust can be overcome as occurred with ACRF. The United States should explain why AFRICOM serves African interests. It does so in two important easy that the author fail to address. First, AFRICOM gives the continent a much stronger voice within the US government to advocate African interests. Second, coordination within the US department of defense on African matters should be greatly enhanced to the benefit of Africans. In short, there is no dearth of challenges facing Africans and policymakers on the continent and abroad charged with promoting peace and resolving armed conflict. AFRICOM should be part of the solution. The decision making behind Secretary of Defense Remsfeld's announcement seemed to be harried and the interim period before the Command became operational was rather short. But the idea for an Africa Command had been discussed at various levels within the US department of defense for more than a decade. AFRICOM is a natural progression or evolution in American military thought and is long overdue. It is not a new militaristic approach to Africa. AFRICOM's initial missteps should be taking in stride. Adapted from the source document.