Bush’s recent Africa tour (Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia) has recalled some of the major issues at stake between the US and Africa, like the establishment of the Africom, Bush’s way of caring about Africa, which has had troubles finding a base since its official creation in October 2007.At the moment it’s command is in the Kelley Barracks of Stuttgart “Africa Command is not meant to militarize U.S. foreign policy,” Army Gen. William “Kip” Ward, the boss, told reporters during his visit to Addis Abeba in November 2007. “Our policy is to assist African countries to build their security capacity and have a secured environment.” (more)
This new military command force aims at coordinating US military deployment and anti-terrorism efforts, keeping an eye on oil and china. Its mission includes providing training for the armies of African countries and helping in humanitarian missions. Binding military and humanitarian aspects is critical. The different states in Africa have showed great unity in showing their disapproval a US military might in their countries, and Africom still has to find a home. Such has been the problem, Bush has expressedly stated during his tour, that for the moment Africom will stay in Stuttgart. Although it seems Ethiopias Meles Zenawi could imagine hosting it.
