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On 5/12/2008 4:14:24 PM Major Brittany Stewart wrote
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) continued its international dialogue about security cooperation programs in Africa at the G8++ Africa Clearinghouse in Tokyo, Japan, April 23-24, 2008. The Clearinghouse is an international forum to develop a common understanding of capacity building in Africa and to coordinate and de-conflict programs designed to support African partners. This fifth meeting focused on peacekeeping capacity building.
In 2004 United States European Command (EUCOM), which had Department of Defense responsibility for U.S. military relationships with the majority of African countries until the creation of AFRICOM, started a working conference series known as Africa Clearinghouse in a multinational forum for the free exchange of information on security assistance programs in Africa. Concurrently, the G8 (Group of Eight nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) began a similar forum to discuss broader program areas. At the 2005 EUCOM meeting, participants proposed combining the two efforts, and the first combined conference occurred February 2006 in London. Germany hosted the April 2007 session in Berlin, and in honor of the next G8 president, Italy will host the 2009 Africa Clearinghouse conference.
At this years conference the United States delegation joined ministry of defense and foreign affairs representatives from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the European Union, NATO, the United Nations, and the Multinational Standby High Readiness Brigade for UN Operations (SHIRBRIG). Attending for the first time were representatives from Switzerland, China, and the African Union.
The African Union outlined capacity building requirements for the Africa Peace and Security Architecture and the Africa Standby Force. Clearinghouse participants were asked to fill these requirements to assist African Union peacekeeping efforts and to operationalize the regional Standby Brigades by the year 2010.
AFRICOM will use the African Unions information to tailor security cooperation programs with African partners to meet their security and stability requirements. Using the Clearinghouse as the springboard, AFRICOM will also engage with Clearinghouse participants to identify specific areas for collaboration that could enhance programs to provide the capacity that African partners desire.
(Air Force Major Brittany D. Stewart is Pan-African programs officer for the Engagement Division of U.S. Africa Command's Directorate of Strategy, Plans and Programs. Stewart represented U.S. Africa Command at the Africa Clearinghouse meeting in Tokyo.)
On 6/19/2008 8:09:31 PM Corey in Kansas wrote I'd just like briefly say THANK YOU to US Ambassador James McGee for his stance on the situation in Zimbabwe. He has taken a proactive approach while others in the world have not.
In the Chicago Tribune, McGee said his Mugabe take no prisoners approach in Harare was informed by the world's lack of action in another African tragedy We cannot allow what happened in Rwanda to happen here in Zimbabwe.
I have been scolded on this blog for pressing action, and while many disagree with AFRICOM US involvement in the situation, there are others that believe action is necessary. I can only hope that this is a launch point for action
Concluding the Chicago times article is Elinor Sisulu a leading human rights activists in South Africa . Sisulu says what I find sad is that it really should be African Ambassadors, and not Mr. McGee, who is doing all this.
On 6/18/2008 3:01:52 PM SAMSON in CANADA wrote United States African command is setup to focus more on Security matters than humanitarian issues,and for building bridge between african nations and the United States military. Africa has men power to defent its self against domestic conflicts and Internationally, I mean terrorism ,that is why United States is giving a helping hand. Africa needs such help security wise to protect its continent and people
On 6/15/2008 7:09:19 PM Nnanna in Nigerian, Germany wrote Response to Corey in Kansas: Did you say AFRICOM should be heading or attempting to head up dialogue.......? I will hate to believe you are clueless to proper channel of International Diplomacy. You are barking at the wrong tree You should be addressing your concern to the Bush Administration and particularly here the State Department under the leadership of the Secretary of State, Dr. Condolenzza Rice. Please, no need wasting your energy, they are fully aware of the on going mayhem in Zimbabwe, i.e. how our good old Robert Mugabe has lost his mind. Have you have been watching the news? Lastly, it will do us no good engaging in further wasteful rhetorics. Bottomline It is NOT the responsibility of AFRICOM. Again, I will humble suggest you read the introduction of General Ward and particlularly item 3. The key here is empowering African Nations, and not to do it for them lest we Africans will open our mouth too wide accusing the U.S. Government at attempting to take over African continent for underlying motives and reasons including petroleum and other natural resources.
What's going on in Zimbabwe is absolutely an eye sore. Robert Mugabe has had his chance and his era is way over Sadly, he and only he is the CAUSE of the deplorable state of his country. And if he is in his right mind should and able to tell or know should disgracefully bow out giving up his declared war against his political rivals in his attempt to hold on to power at all cost thereby running his country and poor citizenry to a far more worst state. I will pray the UNO and the powers that be will seriously consider forcing him out of power into exile for the peace of the Zimbabweans, and hopefully storm up some good charges against him at Hague.
On 6/13/2008 4:31:36 PM Corey in Kansas wrote Nnanna and Jacob, I fully understand the roles and expectations of AFRICOM. I agree that AFRICOM should not act unilaterally on this topic, I however do believe that AFRICOM should be heading or attempting to head up the dialog that the intimidation political persecution will not continue. Any organization can go out and "Do Good Things" such as paint schools, provide vaccinations, etc. Again, if AFRICOM would like to be seen as an aid and not a hindrance to the continent then it should help Africans solve REAL African problems.
On 6/11/2008 4:35:44 PM Jacob Pierce in Washington, DC wrote I agree with Nnanna. Having AFRICOM go off to "solve" Zimbabwe is precisely what many of my African friends do not want. Corey's last statement really said it all — Africans are the ones to solve African problems, and there is already plenty of dialogue across the African community to decide what can be done. If AFRICOM is to have a role, it will be one that comes out of a deliberate political discussion, carefully vetted with the Africans.
On 6/5/2008 11:37:13 PM Nnanna in Nigerian in Germany wrote Response to Corey in Kansas Please, kindly read well the many activities of AFRICOM on this webpage and also the page by General Ward on the goals of AFRICOM. AFRICOM was not establed to meddle in the internal politics of a sovereign Nation. Yes, the situation in Zimbabwe has turned into an international eye sore. Today, we even heard it reported American and British Diplomats were detained for reason best known only to Robert Mugabe's regime. It truly saddens me that once respected Mr. Mugabe has totally lost his sense of statemanship and self respect sad, sad, and truly sad At his age, I will strongly recommend he undergo some mental evaluation
On 6/5/2008 5:31:07 PM Corey in Kansas wrote It would appear that a great initial test for AFRICOM would be to attempt to resolve the situation in Zimbabwe. To do nothing but monitor gives little legitimacy to the new organization. AFRICOM preaches Helping Africans solve African problems if this is not an African Problem, I'm not sure what is.
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