Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

Africa is no longer a distant region whose instability and problems can be ignored by the United States.  In recognition of Africa's rising importance, President George W. Bush announced on February 6, 2007, that the United States will create a new, unified combatant command for Africa (AFRICOM) to oversee security, enhance strategic cooperation, build partnerships, support nonmilitary missions, and conduct military operations as necessary.  The unique challenges facing Africa led the Administration to set up a new type of command for the continent incorporating officials from other U.S. agencies.  Six months after AFRICOM was officially established in October 2007 many questions remain about its mission, how smoothly the process to set up the new command is proceeding, how it will affect U.S. foreign and national security policy, and how it will affect America’s relationships with African nations.  Join us as our distinguished panelists discuss these issues.