The United States Africa Command, commonly referred to as Africom, is one of the six geographic combatant commands of the United States Armed Forces. Established in 2007, Africom is responsible for military relations with African nations, the African Union, and other international organizations. The command’s primary objective is to promote stability, security, and cooperation in Africa, while also protecting American interests on the continent. In this article, we will delve into the countries that fall under Africom’s jurisdiction, exploring the command’s structure, its relationships with African nations, and the significance of its presence in the region.
What is Africom, and How Does it Operate?
Africom is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and is led by a four-star general. The command is divided into five main components:
- United States Army Africa (USARAF): responsible for land forces and operations
- United States Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF): responsible for naval operations and maritime security
- United States Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA): responsible for air operations and air defense
- United States Marine Corps Forces Africa (MARFORAF): responsible for marine operations and security cooperation
- United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA): responsible for special operations and counterterrorism
Africom works closely with African nations, the African Union, and other international partners to address security challenges, promote stability, and support economic development. The command’s activities include:
- Security cooperation and assistance: providing training, equipment, and capacity-building programs for African militaries
- Counterterrorism operations: conducting operations against terrorist organizations, such as al-Shabaab and Boko Haram
- Peacekeeping and stability operations: supporting United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster response: providing aid and support during natural disasters and humanitarian crises
Countries Under Africom’s Jurisdiction
Africom is responsible for 53 countries in Africa, including:
- All 54 countries recognized by the United Nations, except Egypt, which falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Central Command (Centcom)
- The Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by Morocco
Here is a list of the countries under Africom’s jurisdiction, grouped by region:
- North Africa:
- Algeria
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- West Africa:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Central Africa:
- Angola
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- East Africa:
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Southern Africa:
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Africom’s Relationships with African Nations
Africom’s relationships with African nations are built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. The command works closely with African governments, militaries, and civil society organizations to address common security challenges and promote stability. Africom’s engagement with African nations includes:
- Security cooperation agreements: partnering with African countries to develop their military capabilities and address security challenges
- Joint exercises and training: conducting joint military exercises and training programs with African militaries
- Capacity-building programs: providing training and assistance to African militaries to enhance their capacity to address security challenges
- Counterterrorism cooperation: working with African countries to counter terrorist organizations and address violent extremism
Significance of Africom’s Presence in Africa
Africom’s presence in Africa is significant for several reasons:
- Promoting stability and security: Africom’s engagement with African nations helps to promote stability and security on the continent, which is essential for economic development and growth
- Countering terrorism: Africom’s counterterrorism efforts help to address the threat posed by terrorist organizations, such as al-Shabaab and Boko Haram
- Supporting economic development: Africom’s activities, such as security cooperation and capacity-building programs, help to create a secure environment for economic development and growth
- Enhancing American interests: Africom’s presence in Africa helps to protect American interests, including access to natural resources, trade, and investment opportunities
Challenges Facing Africom
Africom faces several challenges in its operations, including:
- Terrorism and violent extremism: the threat posed by terrorist organizations, such as al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, remains a significant challenge for Africom
- Piracy and maritime insecurity: piracy and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean remain a challenge for Africom
- Instability and conflict: instability and conflict in countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia, pose a challenge for Africom
- Resource constraints: Africom faces resource constraints, including limited funding and personnel, which can limit its ability to address security challenges
Conclusion
Africom plays a critical role in promoting stability and security in Africa, while also protecting American interests on the continent. The command’s relationships with African nations are built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation, and its activities, such as security cooperation and capacity-building programs, help to create a secure environment for economic development and growth. However, Africom faces several challenges, including terrorism, piracy, instability, and resource constraints. Despite these challenges, Africom remains committed to its mission of promoting stability and security in Africa, and its presence on the continent is essential for promoting American interests and addressing global security challenges.
What is Africom, and what is its primary purpose?
Africom, also known as the United States Africa Command, is one of the six geographic combatant commands of the United States Armed Forces. It was established on October 1, 2007, to consolidate and coordinate U.S. military operations, activities, and interests in Africa. Africom’s primary purpose is to promote stability, security, and cooperation in Africa by building partnerships with African nations and regional organizations.
Africom’s area of responsibility includes all 54 recognized African states, with the exception of Egypt, which falls under the U.S. Central Command. The command is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and is led by a four-star general. Africom’s mission is to work with African partners to address common security challenges, such as terrorism, piracy, and humanitarian crises, and to promote economic development, democracy, and human rights.
Which countries are under the United States Africa Command?
Africom’s area of responsibility includes all 54 recognized African states, with the exception of Egypt. The countries under Africom’s command can be broadly categorized into five regions: North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa. Some of the key countries in each region include Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia in North Africa; Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal in West Africa; Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia in East Africa; the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and the Republic of Congo in Central Africa; and South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana in Southern Africa.
It’s worth noting that while Africom has a presence in all 54 African countries, the level of engagement and cooperation varies widely from country to country. Some countries, such as Djibouti and Kenya, host significant U.S. military bases and personnel, while others have more limited engagement with Africom. Africom also works closely with regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, to promote stability and security across the continent.
What are the main objectives of Africom?
Africom’s main objectives are to promote stability, security, and cooperation in Africa by building partnerships with African nations and regional organizations. The command’s primary goals include countering terrorism and violent extremism, promoting maritime security and preventing piracy, supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and building the capacity of African militaries and security forces.
Africom also seeks to promote economic development, democracy, and human rights in Africa. The command works with U.S. government agencies, such as the State Department and the Agency for International Development, to support economic development and trade initiatives, promote democratic governance and human rights, and provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. Africom’s objectives are aligned with the U.S. government’s broader strategy for Africa, which emphasizes the importance of promoting stability, security, and prosperity on the continent.
How does Africom engage with African countries?
Africom engages with African countries through a variety of mechanisms, including bilateral and multilateral partnerships, military-to-military relationships, and capacity-building programs. The command works closely with African militaries and security forces to build their capacity to address common security challenges, such as terrorism and piracy. Africom also provides training and assistance to African peacekeepers and supports regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.
Africom’s engagement with African countries is guided by a principles-based approach that emphasizes mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. The command seeks to build long-term relationships with African partners based on shared interests and values, rather than short-term gains or transactional relationships. Africom’s engagement is also tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each country, recognizing that the security challenges and opportunities facing Africa are diverse and complex.
What is the role of Africom in counter-terrorism efforts in Africa?
Africom plays a significant role in counter-terrorism efforts in Africa, working closely with African partners to address the threat posed by terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State. The command provides training and assistance to African militaries and security forces to build their capacity to counter terrorist groups, and supports regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, in their efforts to combat terrorism.
Africom’s counter-terrorism efforts in Africa are focused on building the capacity of African partners to address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, unemployment, and governance challenges. The command also works to disrupt and degrade terrorist networks, and to support humanitarian assistance and stabilization efforts in areas affected by terrorism. Africom’s counter-terrorism efforts are guided by a principles-based approach that emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law.
How does Africom support humanitarian assistance and disaster response in Africa?
Africom plays a significant role in supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Africa, working closely with U.S. government agencies, such as the Agency for International Development, and international organizations, such as the United Nations. The command provides logistical and transportation support to humanitarian responders, and supports the delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
Africom’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts in Africa are focused on saving lives, alleviating suffering, and promoting recovery and resilience. The command works to support the development of African capacity to respond to humanitarian crises, and to promote regional cooperation and coordination in disaster response efforts. Africom’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts are guided by a principles-based approach that emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and promoting dignity and self-reliance.
What are the challenges facing Africom in its mission to promote stability and security in Africa?
Africom faces a number of challenges in its mission to promote stability and security in Africa, including the complexity and diversity of the security challenges facing the continent. The command must navigate a complex web of regional and global interests, and work to build trust and cooperation with African partners who may have different priorities and perspectives.
Africom also faces challenges related to resources and capacity, including limited funding and personnel. The command must prioritize its efforts and focus on the most critical security challenges facing Africa, while also working to build the capacity of African partners to address their own security challenges. Despite these challenges, Africom remains committed to its mission of promoting stability and security in Africa, and to working with African partners to build a more peaceful and prosperous continent.