Summary Report AFRICOM Sept 22 2010 Final
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
Summary Report ISS PUBLIC SEMINAR SERIES
AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization Wednesday 22nd September 2010, 9:30 am – 13:00 pm Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The African Conflict Prevention Programme (ACPP) of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Addis Ababa Office held a public seminar entitled AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization on 22 September at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The ISS Public Seminar Series is a part of the ACPP’s effort at consensus-building by providing a platform for sharing information, encouraging policy debates and dialogue on issues relating to peace and security as well as broader issues on the development agenda in Africa. The aim is to stimulate quality discussion and in-depth and constructive interaction between participants. Chair person Ambassador Dr Samuel Assefa, Former Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, chaired the session. He noted that it is a good time to discuss the nature, purpose and works of the AFRICOM, which has been controversial in Africa from the start. Dr. Assefa implored the panelists to be frank but constructive on the topic. The aim, he said, was to ignite constructive policy debates and dialogue. Welcoming and Opening Remarks Opening the session, Ambassador Olusegun Akinsanya, Office Director, ISS Addis Ababa, welcomed the panelists and the invited guests, noting that the ISS-Addis uses the Public Seminar Series to encourage open and thought-provoking debates. He also thanked the distinguished Ambassadors and foreign representatives for gracing the occasion amidst the hectic schedules relating to the various Peace Day ceremonies
1
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
going on. The ISS is working towards building practical and effective working relationships between AFRICOM, CSOs and research institutions and with all stakeholders, Ambassador Akinsanya said. Presentation Mr. Berouk Mesfine, Senior Researcher, African Conflict Prevention Programme, the key focal point of the discussion from ISS, spoke about ‘African Views on AFRICOM.’ He said that the main purpose of the presentation was to offer, as coldly and apolitically as possible, the views of Africans on AFRICOM. He pointed out that Africans do not constitute a uniform mass and do not view all issues in unanimity; African views on AFRICOM are various, Mr. Mesfin said. But he emphasized that overall there is widespread negative perception and skepticism about AFRICOM among Africans. In Africa, perception matters a lot. The main reasons for African anxieties about AFRICOM are the different perceptions such as the ‘French Syndrome;’ perception that most African governments were not sufficiently consulted about the implementation of AFRICOM; the perception that AFRICOM might impinge on African states’ sovereignty on their territory and resources; the perception that AFRICOM is part of US’ bid to protect its access to Africa’s oil; the perception that the Department of Defence will have more funds and clout than the Department of State in setting policy towards Africa (militarization of US foreign policy); the perception that hosting an AFRICOM base would officially attract the Global War on Terror (GWOT) on the continent; the perception that AFRICOM could force all the powers competing with the US, including Russia, Iran and China, to also adopt a similar methodology; and the perception that AFRICOM will undermine the influence of regional powers such as Nigeria and South Africa. He further forwarded thought-provoking questions like ‘Will AFRICOM listen and change its programme?’ How can the US help reduce conflict and instability in Africa, beyond the establishment of AFRICOM, which cannot be rolled back? He noted that Africans’ negative opinion was beyond AFRICOM and always reflected uneasiness with the US foreign policy towards Africa. He finally concluded by pointing out what the US should focus and work hard on addressing early on the root causes of African conflicts.
2
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
Colonel Paul R. Daniel, from AFRICOM referring President Obama’s view on Africa on a global scene: that the 21st century will be shaped by what happened not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but also in Africa, and that Africa’s prosperity can expand America’s prosperity. We must start from the simple premise that Africa’s future is up to Africans. The Colonel Paul discussed the increasing of instability and conflict in Africa, the trans-national threats like terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy, oil bunkering, illegal fishing and the likes. These are not just African problems, but global security problems. Therefore the interests of the US and African States, the AU, and regional economic communities are highly convergent. AFRICOM is focused not on establishing a foothold in the continent, but on confronting common challenges to advance the security of America, Africa and the world at large. In this regard, AFRICOM tries to develop the security capability and capacity necessary to take responsibility Africa’s security. AFRICOM’s programme of assistance to African states focus on three levels: institutional; operational and individual levels. He also noted that AFRICOM, along with other governmental agencies working here in Africa, is charged with protecting and advancing US interests. However, the US interests significantly overlap with African interests. The AFRICOM aims to assist Africa’s militaries to develop professional soldiers and leaders that make up capable units that can serve their nations’ people and which are supported by accountable and effective defense institutions. Ambassador Gani Olaniyi Are, Project Manager, Support for the Implementation of the Peace and Security Agenda of the African Union, UNDP, served as a discussant in the public seminar. The Ambassador briefly discussed and highlighted what has been said by the two previous speakers. He noted that the presence of the AFRICOM is not that much debatable; rather it is the approach that it employs. There are divergent views in assessing the US policy towards Africa. Some groups said that the US is now trying to use its military to influence the policies of African countries. The other groups argue that the US is still focused on the democratic and human rights values to deal with the African issues. Until now the debate that whether the US uses its military apparatus like AFRICOM or the democratic values are points of discussions.
3
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
He also mentioned the attempts the AFRICOM doing to strengthen the defense institution is appreciable. The other emerging and interesting factor is the coming of China. There is a competition between US and China in creating allies in the African continent. The other point that was raised was AFRICOM is usually seen from the lens of the Cold War. He also noted that AFRICOM should also focus on the civilian aspects rather than simply focusing on the military institutions. Discussions The floor was then opened for questions, suggestions, and comments. This session was frank and robust. Closing Remarks Mr. Mehari Taddele Maru, Programme Head, African Conflict Prevention Programme, ISS Addis Ababa, warmly thanked the panelists and the distinguished participants. He conveyed special thanks to Colonel Daniel for flying out from a long distance. He said that the presence of Colonel Daniel gave us a chance to hear about the AFRICOM from one of its senior officers. He pointed out that discussion and debates of this kind are important ingredients for refined policy making and practices and as such this was the expected outcome seminar when ISS organized this seminar on this topic. He further pointed the AFRICOM with regard to convergence of interest of USA and Africa, particularly on global and transnational security threats such as violent extremism, drug-trafficking, African security sector capacity building, peacekeeping capacities. On the African perspective on the other hand is diverse in nature even if the issue of locating AFRICOM in Africa was almost entirely rejected. He further explained that many Africans may look at the AFRICOM as unilateral decisions by US without sufficient consultation with the African side. He also noted that weak institutions contribute to the protracted nature of many African conflicts and capacitating the security and defense sector of African countries could be a common interest for both Africa and USA. Moreover, he added the concerns of many African with regard to shifting of resources from aid for socio-economic development to security sector. Finally, on behalf of ISS, he thanked the participants and panelist for their comments and contributions, particularly Colonel Daniels for flying to Addis to make the presentation on behalf of AFRICOM.
4
Summary Report ISS PUBLIC SEMINAR SERIES
AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization Wednesday 22nd September 2010, 9:30 am – 13:00 pm Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The African Conflict Prevention Programme (ACPP) of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Addis Ababa Office held a public seminar entitled AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization on 22 September at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The ISS Public Seminar Series is a part of the ACPP’s effort at consensus-building by providing a platform for sharing information, encouraging policy debates and dialogue on issues relating to peace and security as well as broader issues on the development agenda in Africa. The aim is to stimulate quality discussion and in-depth and constructive interaction between participants. Chair person Ambassador Dr Samuel Assefa, Former Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, chaired the session. He noted that it is a good time to discuss the nature, purpose and works of the AFRICOM, which has been controversial in Africa from the start. Dr. Assefa implored the panelists to be frank but constructive on the topic. The aim, he said, was to ignite constructive policy debates and dialogue. Welcoming and Opening Remarks Opening the session, Ambassador Olusegun Akinsanya, Office Director, ISS Addis Ababa, welcomed the panelists and the invited guests, noting that the ISS-Addis uses the Public Seminar Series to encourage open and thought-provoking debates. He also thanked the distinguished Ambassadors and foreign representatives for gracing the occasion amidst the hectic schedules relating to the various Peace Day ceremonies
1
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
going on. The ISS is working towards building practical and effective working relationships between AFRICOM, CSOs and research institutions and with all stakeholders, Ambassador Akinsanya said. Presentation Mr. Berouk Mesfine, Senior Researcher, African Conflict Prevention Programme, the key focal point of the discussion from ISS, spoke about ‘African Views on AFRICOM.’ He said that the main purpose of the presentation was to offer, as coldly and apolitically as possible, the views of Africans on AFRICOM. He pointed out that Africans do not constitute a uniform mass and do not view all issues in unanimity; African views on AFRICOM are various, Mr. Mesfin said. But he emphasized that overall there is widespread negative perception and skepticism about AFRICOM among Africans. In Africa, perception matters a lot. The main reasons for African anxieties about AFRICOM are the different perceptions such as the ‘French Syndrome;’ perception that most African governments were not sufficiently consulted about the implementation of AFRICOM; the perception that AFRICOM might impinge on African states’ sovereignty on their territory and resources; the perception that AFRICOM is part of US’ bid to protect its access to Africa’s oil; the perception that the Department of Defence will have more funds and clout than the Department of State in setting policy towards Africa (militarization of US foreign policy); the perception that hosting an AFRICOM base would officially attract the Global War on Terror (GWOT) on the continent; the perception that AFRICOM could force all the powers competing with the US, including Russia, Iran and China, to also adopt a similar methodology; and the perception that AFRICOM will undermine the influence of regional powers such as Nigeria and South Africa. He further forwarded thought-provoking questions like ‘Will AFRICOM listen and change its programme?’ How can the US help reduce conflict and instability in Africa, beyond the establishment of AFRICOM, which cannot be rolled back? He noted that Africans’ negative opinion was beyond AFRICOM and always reflected uneasiness with the US foreign policy towards Africa. He finally concluded by pointing out what the US should focus and work hard on addressing early on the root causes of African conflicts.
2
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
Colonel Paul R. Daniel, from AFRICOM referring President Obama’s view on Africa on a global scene: that the 21st century will be shaped by what happened not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but also in Africa, and that Africa’s prosperity can expand America’s prosperity. We must start from the simple premise that Africa’s future is up to Africans. The Colonel Paul discussed the increasing of instability and conflict in Africa, the trans-national threats like terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy, oil bunkering, illegal fishing and the likes. These are not just African problems, but global security problems. Therefore the interests of the US and African States, the AU, and regional economic communities are highly convergent. AFRICOM is focused not on establishing a foothold in the continent, but on confronting common challenges to advance the security of America, Africa and the world at large. In this regard, AFRICOM tries to develop the security capability and capacity necessary to take responsibility Africa’s security. AFRICOM’s programme of assistance to African states focus on three levels: institutional; operational and individual levels. He also noted that AFRICOM, along with other governmental agencies working here in Africa, is charged with protecting and advancing US interests. However, the US interests significantly overlap with African interests. The AFRICOM aims to assist Africa’s militaries to develop professional soldiers and leaders that make up capable units that can serve their nations’ people and which are supported by accountable and effective defense institutions. Ambassador Gani Olaniyi Are, Project Manager, Support for the Implementation of the Peace and Security Agenda of the African Union, UNDP, served as a discussant in the public seminar. The Ambassador briefly discussed and highlighted what has been said by the two previous speakers. He noted that the presence of the AFRICOM is not that much debatable; rather it is the approach that it employs. There are divergent views in assessing the US policy towards Africa. Some groups said that the US is now trying to use its military to influence the policies of African countries. The other groups argue that the US is still focused on the democratic and human rights values to deal with the African issues. Until now the debate that whether the US uses its military apparatus like AFRICOM or the democratic values are points of discussions.
3
Summary Report: AFRICOM: After Two Years of Operationalization
He also mentioned the attempts the AFRICOM doing to strengthen the defense institution is appreciable. The other emerging and interesting factor is the coming of China. There is a competition between US and China in creating allies in the African continent. The other point that was raised was AFRICOM is usually seen from the lens of the Cold War. He also noted that AFRICOM should also focus on the civilian aspects rather than simply focusing on the military institutions. Discussions The floor was then opened for questions, suggestions, and comments. This session was frank and robust. Closing Remarks Mr. Mehari Taddele Maru, Programme Head, African Conflict Prevention Programme, ISS Addis Ababa, warmly thanked the panelists and the distinguished participants. He conveyed special thanks to Colonel Daniel for flying out from a long distance. He said that the presence of Colonel Daniel gave us a chance to hear about the AFRICOM from one of its senior officers. He pointed out that discussion and debates of this kind are important ingredients for refined policy making and practices and as such this was the expected outcome seminar when ISS organized this seminar on this topic. He further pointed the AFRICOM with regard to convergence of interest of USA and Africa, particularly on global and transnational security threats such as violent extremism, drug-trafficking, African security sector capacity building, peacekeeping capacities. On the African perspective on the other hand is diverse in nature even if the issue of locating AFRICOM in Africa was almost entirely rejected. He further explained that many Africans may look at the AFRICOM as unilateral decisions by US without sufficient consultation with the African side. He also noted that weak institutions contribute to the protracted nature of many African conflicts and capacitating the security and defense sector of African countries could be a common interest for both Africa and USA. Moreover, he added the concerns of many African with regard to shifting of resources from aid for socio-economic development to security sector. Finally, on behalf of ISS, he thanked the participants and panelist for their comments and contributions, particularly Colonel Daniels for flying to Addis to make the presentation on behalf of AFRICOM.
4
