WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 20, 2010) -- The commander of U.S. Africa Command Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies July 20 that AFRICOM has moved into an operational stage.
Since the command stood up in October 2007, its goal has been to develop strong relationships with its international partners. Now, Ward said, AFRICOM has begun to implement its mission statement, enacting programs and operations as directed to promote a stable and secure African environment in support of U.S. foreign policy.
"Previously most of our outreach and communications focused on informing others about the command. We still do that to be sure, but today our partners are seeing through our actions how the command operates," Ward said.
Ward said the mission in Africa becomes more complicated as time progresses partly due to Africa's diverse population, split among 800 ethnic groups who speak 1,000 languages.
"[Africa has] a population that is about 1 billion people and projected to double in the next half-century. A number of countries are grappling with democratic consolidation, political reform, civil conflicts, post-conflict reconstruction and other challenges to be sure," Ward said.
Ward said that despite Africa's storied trials, it's "a continent that presents tremendous opportunities".
Ward said his command's contribution to Africa's development "will both improve the lives of Africans and build the foundation for stronger bonds" between the U.S. and Africa. He added that AFRICOM's mission will lead to "an environment where American lives are more secure, both abroad and here at home, and where American interests are promoted".
Drug trafficking, corruption and weak institutions continue to hinder Africa's economy, but AFRICOM's promotion of good governance is beginning to help, Ward said.
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