Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

The status and future of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was discussed at The Brookings Institution by Vice Admiral Robert Moeller, deputy to the commander for military operations. AFRICOM, currently a sub-unified command of the United States European Command (EUCOM), will assume control on Oct. 1, 2008. Tasks currently handled by other unified commands, such as presence in the Horn of Africa, will transfer to AFRICOM on this date. Moeller said that AFRICOM will provide a primary focus on Africa for the United States military, a focus that is currently split between three unified commands. Currently, 500 individuals work for AFRICOM with a goal of 1,300 by fiscal year 2009.

According to Moeller, AFRICOM will work to prevent conflicts by engaging African states through an inter-agency partnership. Alongside the Department of Defense, other areas of the US government, such as the Department of State and the Department of Commerce, will work to assist African states in the development of intelligence and infrastructure. AFRICOM will also provide humanitarian assistance when requested. Moeller stressed that AFRICOM means to aid African partners as needed and that the United States military will not involve itself “if not invited” since a military engagement would require a change in US policy.

Currently, the headquarters of AFRICOM is located in Stuttgart, Germany. Moeller said that an African location for AFRICOM may be realized in years to come but that current military representation in African embassies is a sufficient presence. In addition, Moeller said that future discussions with African partners would be the best way to determine if an increased presence on the continent is necessary.