A clearinghouse of the U.S. Africa Command's senior leader's updates on issues important at AFRICOM.
We encourage your comments and feedback.
Click here to see our public feedback
On 6/22/2011 12:40:38 PM Max Blumenfeld, Joint Special Operations Task Force Public Affairs wrote
The Malian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gabriel Poudiougou, oversaw the deployment of rotary and fixed wing air assets as well as elite ground forces for a culmination exercise which sent a clear signal to those who have for so long sought sanctuary in the vast and barren territories north of the community. In attendance of this show of force, heralded by the newspaper and other African media outlets as an achievement in regional cooperation, were several visiting dignitaries to include the Algerian Defense Attache to Mali and a U.S. Marine Colonel, commander of the SOCAFRICA's Joint Special Operations Task Force (Trans-Sahara).
As a "boots on the ground" PAO, I've had the opportunity several times of supporting U.S. SOF teams training and advising the Malian Echelon Tactique Interarme, or ETIAs, whose mission is specifically counter-terrorism. Conducted under the auspices of the State Department's Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Partnership, or TSCTP, the JSOTF-TS has had since 2006 the unique mission of developing capacities for these and other national security forces across the region. Then, once a year, military leaders and a contingent of these units are brought together for a region-wide, multi-national exercise called Flintlock.
I have been to Timbuktu, the "Mysterious City," on several occasions and realized that its shroud of nearly mythical secrecy is actually because of its virtually unknown wonders. At one time, this distant community was considered the "gift of the Niger River" as it was the hub for traders of gold, salt, ivory, and slaves as well as scholars who, beginning in the 13th century, gravitated to its learning centers where the first Islamic university was eventually established.
And more recently, it was at Timbuktu that the "Flame of Peace" monument was erected in 1996--a towering edifice forged with nearly 3,000 weapons which the Tuaregs laid down after their rebellion against the government. Sister City to Marrakech in Morocco, Chemnitz in Germany and Tempe, Arizona in the United States, there was an effort to reach out to the world for visitors and investment.
But, much like its "mystery" is a faade, so was the aura of peace and stability as some of the newcomers had evil and destabilizing effects. The region of Timbuktu became an important center for logistical support and recruitment of those responsible for the trafficking of drugs, weapons and people as well as hostage taking and killing. AQIM had established a strong foothold in this impoverished land, raising questions and doubts as to safety and security.
The article refers to the "American teachers" who helped the Malians reach this threshold of military proficiency as evidenced during the recent "show of force."
Previously, there were many episodic engagements by these "teachers." Through persistent and consistent engagements, U.S. SOF teams pressed on in their mission to train, advise and assist not only the ETIAs but also the communities with partner-led Medical and Veterinary Civic Action Programs-- fifteen up to date just in Mali and four scheduled in the near future--specifically planned to meet the needs of the Timbuktu region and its people.
Then, through the various iterations of Flintlock, African, European and U.S. forces continue to hone skills and enduring relationships. A sweeping evolution of the region-wide exercise was sparked during Flintlock 11, conducted earlier this year. It was African planned, coordinated and led with a Senegalese Special Forces unit providing tactical skills instruction to all their African counterparts. Capitalizing on past achievements, the Malians are taking the lead for Flintlock 12 and it is scheduled to be conducted throughout its territory.
Indeed, over these several years, seeds have been planted. This Malian show of force against AQIM and its safe havens marks a new beginning -- not only for its northern regions but also, across the Trans-Saharan region. Who knows? Maybe History will one day show that the eradication of AQIM's influence and the return of security and prosperity was ignited at Timbuktu-- "The Mysterious City."
On 7/5/2011 9:42:56 AM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote Excellent report And testimony that planting a seed—when given the right amount of attention—will grow and eventually flourish.
On 7/1/2011 9:20:37 AM Randy in Stuttgart wrote Good story about Timbuktu and their history. It is a shame that AQIM's terrorist activities have caused the cancellation of many long standing cultural and tourist events, such as the cancellation of the Paris-to-Dakar Rally being held in Africa. State Department warnings urging American's not to travel to Timbuktu and other areas because of its instability in this region and threat of kidnapping and death. Hopefully, Mali is beginning to take ownership for the problem that eminates from their country, and stops the growth of the AQIM threat. The whole region will be better if they do.
On 6/27/2011 11:33:06 AM Bryan in Stuttgart wrote Outstanding and interesting story, Max. Thanks for the insights.
PA mission to Ethiopia 1/8/2011 · By Airman 1st Class Jevon Smith
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa strategic communication combat camera videographer
VETCAP in Negele 1/8/2011 · Captain David Creech
402nd Civil Affairs Battalion functional specialty team veterinarian
Visiting Our Teams over the Holidays 1/4/2011 · Rear Admiral Brian Losey, commander, and Captain John Dixon, chief of staff, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa
From LTC David Knellinger on 9/10/2012 2:02:03 PM "The Central Africa Region Environmental Security Symposium, hosted by the United States Africa Command Environmental Security Program and the United Nations Environmental Programme..." (Read Full Entry)
From Brigadier General Stayce Harris on 7/19/2012 8:54:32 AM "The following blog is by Brigadier General Stayce Harris, U.S. Africa Command's mobilization reserve assistant to the commander.
Over the past 2 years, I have had the..." (Read Full Entry)
Hamza in Gabes, Tunisia wrote on 10/2/2012 11:09:13 AM "I LOVE US ARMY I DREAM TO BE SOME ONE FROM MARINS ITS JUST DREAM..." (Read Full Entry)
Pamela in Virginia wrote on 10/2/2012 10:28:15 AM "This command much needed not only to ustain African governments ,but to also be an aide to our United States stability and protection. Many hostile in that area ,especially on East..." (Read Full Entry)
Herman in Pretoria wrote on 9/23/2012 5:46:33 PM "Awesome aircraft, thank you for the display! It is most appreciated...." (Read Full Entry)
Paul in UK wrote on 8/22/2012 9:16:10 AM "I was also involved in the communications training at Kisangani and share Michel Beya's comments I'm sure we met. What I saw was a very well trained battalion and hope that..." (Read Full Entry)
Mark in Fort Leavenworth wrote on 8/21/2012 10:25:29 PM "False allegations against Commander USAFRICOM appear to be in fashion. It is shameful that someone felt the need to assassinate the character of the previous commander — one ..." (Read Full Entry)