Out of a budgeted amount of $389 million AFRICOM’s startup budget was slashed $308.4 by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, leaving just $80.6 million, not much for setting up a continent wide command. Unfortunately a number of programs involving military contractors are underway and will continue. . From the summary:
Murtha Summary of the FY09 Defense Appropriations Bill (PDF) :
AFRICOM: Includes a reduction of $308.4 million associated with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The reduction is taken from the amount requested to stand up a new headquarters due to the lack of a suitable location. The reduction does not effect funding for the current headquarters, exercises, counter-terrorism, or counter-drug programs.
In related news, Ghana has signed a MOU, memo of understanding, with the United States to control drug traffic. The link to the Ghana Government website is not working this evening. I will double check it again tomorrow. Here is the announcement (updated):
US, NACOB Sign MOU On Counter-Narcotics
The United States Government and the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a facility within the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to support counter-narcotics activities.
Both governments – Ghana and the US – have agreed to build a 75,000-dollar climate-controlled facility to house drug detection equipment and personnel at the KIA to enhance processing of narcotic suspects.
The project is a joint effort between the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the US Embassy in Accra and the NACOB. The facility, when completed and fully operational is expected to amplify the ability of the NACOB and its partners to detect narcotics traffickers.
US Charge d’Affaires, Sue Brown, said the agreement was a “step toward strengthening the already significant level of law enforcement co-operation between the United States and Ghana” that would boost the country’s aptitude to tackling the problem of narcotics trafficking in the sub-region.
She said without dedicated and active co-operation, it would be impossible to counter the threat from the narcotics trade, adding that the US remained committed to partnering Ghana face the challenge associated with the menace.
Mr Ben Botwe, NACOB Executive Secretary, expressed appreciation for the support of the US government and said he was optimistic that the facility would advance the mission of the Board.Source: GNA
Posted: 30/07/08
What else the US will do with this facility is not discussed. But if history is anything to go by, and that includes Ghana & US history, it won’t just be a center to catch drug dealers.
August 6, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Thanks for the news on slash of AFRICOM’s budget. This was the first I’ve heard of it. By October 1, AFRICOM will appear stillborn, lacking sufficient funding to carry out its more ambition hiring and program needs. I would consider this a victory for those in the peace movement who see AFRICOM reversing the trend toward de-militarization of African politics and society. On the other hand, it sends a mixed message about the level of U.S. commitment to Africa. I don’t see the issue dying, but I think the ball is back in the court of Africa regional organizations, social and activities groups to define how the U.S. can tribute to human security needs and assist participatory democratic movements on the continent.
August 9, 2008 at 1:05 am
well, these cuts just may force them to use more of their own in-house sales agents
daily monitor: Invite US military here – says Ugandan-American soldier
September 1, 2008 at 3:57 am
Doode, you are establishing a niche for yourself on AFRICOM. I occasionally send your articles round to interested parties, knowing I will get authoritative info from here. Kudos!
Your post has got me thinking about the possibility of the US in the infiltration of the AU REC’s standing armies. I wrote a post last month (http://regionswatch.blogspot.com/2008/07/mbekis-other-headache-getting-sadc-to.html) in which I touched on the need for Mbeki to sort out the SADC’s regional peacekeeping force.
I’m getting worried that these efforts to complement our regional integration might get hampered by the invisible might-is-right/assistance–as exemplified by the US-NACOB assistance on drugs–to frustrate our efforts in any attempt at uniting Africa.
The time is now, CrossedCrocs, to beef up the visibility of African initiatives and these complex processes in digestible ways to the rest of the diaspora and beyond.
Your blog is a powerful step; I need to get more serious on my regionswatch…an established domain name would help!!
September 1, 2008 at 3:56 pm
@ Iboudiop,
The US is most definitely militarizing African politics and society as much as it can. Other aid has mostly been cut, and military aid has been greatly increased over the last several years. I think the biggest danger is from the PMCs, military contractors. And we very much need African regional organizations, social and activities groups to raise their voices and be heard.
@b real
I wonder about the effect of sales agents like Lieutenant Commander Frank Bisase. I guess it may sway a few people. But the general popular feeling seems to be pretty hard against AFRICOM in most countries. But I am not certain over time. I think a possibly Obama presidency has both promise and perils in this regard.
@E.K. Bensah
I think you are absolutely correct when you speak about the need to beef up the visibility of African initiatives and these complex processes in digestible ways to the rest of the diaspora and beyond. Africa will have to lead the way on dealing with AFRICOM, and with a host of predatory nations looking to Africa to extract resources.
And I think there is great danger in, as you say, the might-is-right/assistance–as exemplified by the US-NACOB assistance on drugs.
I was reading Rising Powers Shrinking Planet today. One of the things Klare says is:
Also, I’ve been meaning to say, I’ve enjoyed your articles over at the African Loft.