By Ken Sackey, GNA Special Correspondent, Washington DC.
Washington, March 10, GNA - The United States Government is still consulting with African leaders to determine an appropriate location for its African Command (AFRICOM), a senior presidential aid at the White House has said.
The aide told a select group of African journalists at the White House that private consultations were in progress to correct misconceptions about the AFRICOM concept, essentially to help the continent.
"AFRICOM is unique in its mission. It will not exert US influence on the continent but work in concert with African partners for a more stable and sustainable environment where political and economic growth can take place," the official said.
Concerns have been raised among Africans about the real purpose of the new Command, with some governments shifting from initial enthusiasm to mounting reservations, with the exception of Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson, who thought it was desirable for Africa.
These resentments have been due, partly, to what governments in Africa perceive as the real purpose of AFRICOM, particularly containing the growing influence of China on the continent, to protect energy sources from threats, and to militarise Africa=B4s politics. But the Whitehouse Aide said the US=B4 policy on Africa was to pursue partnerships that would be beneficial to both the US and Africa.
"AFRICOM presence in Africa is not about establishing an American military presence but to assist African nations establish the AU=B4s touted standby brigade, within the continental body=B4s framework, to quickly respond to humanitarian and security situations on the continent.
"We are not imposing our will on developing countries. Our interest is to be able to work with African governments to solve their security concerns, as well as pursue an economic development agenda which would in the long term be mutually beneficial to both worlds. The official said a US command focused solely on Africa would streamline the US=B4 initiative there and give America the opportunity to assess accurately the effectiveness of their programmes for easy adaptation.
"It thus makes sense to have a presence on the African continent, which would allow for good dialogue and to know what Africa wants, through it's leaders and the civil society," he said adding that ongoing private discussions with some African governments held positive promises.
To the US, Africa holds growing geo-strategic importance and is a high priority to the administration.
Currently the US=B4 military and humanitarian operations in Africa are run from its commands outside the continent and it desires a more coordinated approach by locating on the continent.