AFRICOM: The American Military and Public Diplomacy in Africa

Officials of the Defense and State departments cite a commitment to public diplomacy as an essential element of AFRICOM, the U.S. military command for Africa created in 2007. Questions remain, however, about whether a military command can and should engage in public diplomacy.

Philip Seib, Figueroa Press

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Sudanese Perspectives on the 2011 Referendum

Previously to the Sudanese Referendum, the CSIS published a report, in November 2010, about the situation in Sudan. The referendum, about the independence of half of the largest country in Africa, took place in January. The yes won.

Richard Downie and Brian Kennedy, CSIS

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Civilian and Enlisted Perspectives on the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)

At the request of the U.S. Marine Forces Africa (MARFORAF), The Intelligence and Knowledge Development (IKD) Directorate, Social Science Research Center (SSRC) implemented a qualitative research study in Liberia targeting civilian and enlisted soldiers’ perspectives on the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The study included data drawn primarily from 40 participants. Nineteen of the participants completed semi-structured interviews and 21 participants contributed their perspectives during focus group discussions. To prepare for fieldwork, the SSRC also conducted informal interviews with 35 people to include Liberian scholars, military personnel, and Contractors familiar with the AFL reform.

Liza E.A. Briggs, AFRICOM

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Post-Qaddafi Instability in Libya

Should the Qaddafi regime fall, uncertainty over who controls Libya or whether they enjoy broad support would likely erode public order and threaten the provision of basic goods and services to the population. Such instability could not only produce a humanitarian disaster, it could lead to the emergence of new authoritarian leaders or the breakup of the country. Such outcomes would also discredit the NATO-led intervention and threaten vital European interests, including oil and gas supplies, as well as increase the likelihood of large-scale emigration. It is appropriate, therefore, for the European Union (EU) to lead an international post-Qaddafi stabilization effort, preferably under a UN umbrella, to facilitate participation by members of the Arab League and the African Union (AU). A paramilitary police force of up to three thousand personnel to maintain public security will be required in the initial stages after Muammar al-Qaddafi falls.

Daniel Serwer, Council on Foreign Relations

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Negotiating Sudan's North-South Future

This paper analyses the situation in Sudan, previously the referendum provided in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

International Crisis Group

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Countering Terrorism in East Africa: The U.S. Response

The United States government has implemented a range of programs to counter violent extremist threats in East Africa in response to Al Qaeda’s bombing of the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998 and subsequent transnational terrorist activity in the region. These programs include regional and bilateral efforts, both military and civilian. The programs seek to build regional intelligence, military, law enforcement, and judicial capacities; strengthen aviation, port, and border security; stem the flow of terrorist financing; and counter the spread of extremist ideologies.

Lauren Ploch, Congressional Research Service

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Security and Stability in Africa: A Development Approach

This paper seeks to overcome this lack of understanding of the significance of African security and stability by discussing the fundamental issues of economic development and political governance through which enduring stability and security might be obtained. This primer is particularly relevant for government and military officials tasked with African responsibilities but who may not possess much African experience.

Clarence J. Bouchat, SSI

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African Conflicts and U.S. Diplomacy

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD) cohosted a conference on October 29, 2009, to examine the role of diplomacy in U.S. relations with Africa. Discussions were grounded in the belief that as U.S. interests and engagement in Africa expand, U.S. diplomatic capacities must expand accordingly. The need to effectively manage multiple strands of U.S. investments in security, development, and conflict mitigation and management has become more complex and more important. The United States faces a far more competitive environment in Africa than in previous decades, with “emerging powers”—most notably China, India, Brazil, and a number of smaller Asian states—making major political and economic plays, and with regional organizations, transnational influences, and African civil societies asserting themselves more and more in national affairs. At the same time, the United States faces continuing constraints in diplomatic resources and personnel. In this context, the United States will need to identify how best to use its influence in Africa, which policy areas and places it should prioritize, and how to balance effectively the use of diplomatic, military, and developmental tools.

Jennifer G. Cooke and Richard Downie, CSIS

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Somaliland’s Prospects

Somaliland has achieved democracy, peace and stability largely through its own efforts. As a new administration we have also met many of the benchmarks we set ourselves for our first 100 days. With the support of our people, we are determined to go to the next level and build a state on the foundations of the rule of law, democratic principles and good governance.

President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud 'Silanyo', Chatham House

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Radical Islam in East Africa

Historically, Africa has not been a central theater in U.S. strategic planning. U.S. interests there have been viewed as marginal, and the threats to those interests have not been considered serious enough to require the deployment of significant resources or policy attention. In recent years, however, Africa has come to be regarded as an increasingly important region, where American geopolitical interests and the potential threats to those interests are both on the rise. Consequently, the Department of Defense is abandoning its traditional policy of strategic minimalism in favor of a more robust approach, signified most prominently by the establishment of a unified combatant command for Africa.

Angel Rabasa, RAND

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Moving Forward with Constitutional Reform in Kenya

On August 4, 2010, Kenyans voted in a national referendum in favor of a new constitution, concluding a push for constitutional change that began more than 20 years ago. With more than 67percent popular support, the passage of the new constitutional draft symbolizes promise and hope in a country where political tensions have remained high since the violent aftermath of the December 2007 elections. While retaining the current presidential system, the new constitution calls for the dissolution of the position of prime minister, part of a power-sharing agreement set up in early 2008. Although there will still be a strong executive, the new reforms will significantly limit its power vis-à -vis the legislature and judiciary. The new constitution also includes reforms that address the issues of land, devolution, and rule of law.

Brian Kennedy and Lauren Bieniek, CSIS

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