The Public Diplomacy by Africom

United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was established on February, 2007 . The project of AFRICOM was managed to build national security, to maintain public diplomacy as well as to ensure stability and humanitarian support according to needs and interests of African people. (http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/media/AFRICOM%20Web%20Publication.pdf)

According to General William "Kip" Ward, Commander of United States Africa Command,the main goals of project is to build the capacity that "they" say they want to have, in order to provide for their own security, its about the programs that U.S. brings to the continent, that are helpful to build in the professionalization of the military, in their ability to protect their borders, territorial surroundings including waters. Moreover, the essence of stability is not only about weapons and rifles, is not about the teaching someone how to shoot or march forward, the whole approach consists of many other components to build health, economical and education development and to provide hope for African people.

Despite the positive approach of project, the engagement of AFRICOM became very controversial and challenges the concept of “new diplomacy”. It also has many of comments by critics, especially by resistances. According to skeptical view of Nicole Lee, executive director of TransAfrica Forum, the "soft power" consists of public diplomacy and national interests which has to be supported by both negotiating states, and it should have nothing in common with military power, especially with the concept of militarism. Only shared values should have priority status. (http://uscpublicdiplomacy.org/media/AFRICOM%20Web%20Publication.pdf)

'AFRICOM, for all the talk it is being of its being new and innovative engagement, could simply serve to protect unpopular regimes that are friendly to U.S. interests while Africa slips further into poverty, as was the case during the Cold War.' - Nicole Lee, Executive Director, TransAfrica Forum

(http://uscpublicdiplomacy.com/pdfs/africom%20layout%20web.pdf)

As a respond to criticism could be arguments provided by Vice Admiral Robert T. Moeller served as Deputy to the Commander for Military Operations (DCMO) of United States Africa Command: ‘No, the U.S. military is not trying to take over Africa.’. R. Moeller's position has a strong basis and explains Africom very clearly without any ambiguities:

‘Let There be no mistake. Africom’s job is to protect American lives and to protect American interests. That is what nations and militaries do. But we also have found that our own national interest in stable and prosperous Africa is shared strongly by our African partners. By working together, we can pursue our shared interests more effectively.’

‘We believe diplomacy, development, and defense should work hand in hand – and in balance – to achieve long term security.’

(http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/07/21/the_truth_about_africom)


As a reflection to public remarks, one year later after establishment of AFRICOM, in February 2008, the University of Southern California’s center on Public Diplomacy organized two days duration conference to analyze and discuss the AFRICOM’s strategy within relationship among U.S. and African nations. According to policy recommendations, “Public Diplomacy” as a part of AFRICOM’s policy has to be defined more clearly as well as the strategy how to place “public diplomacy” into practice has to be more organized and developed. Furthermore, the the lessons learned from experience of outsiders’ involved in Africa should have an attention and direction to all actions of AFRICOM.
(http://uscpublicdiplomacy.com/pdfs/africom%20layout%20web.pdf)

To conclude, the long term security mentioned by R. Moeller is crucial to eliminate local instability which includes piracy and illegal trafficking, ethnic tensions, irregular militaries and violent extremist groups as well as oil theft, widespread illegal fishing which costs 1 billion dollars per year for African people. The success of "public diplomacy" is possible only if U.S. interests and Africa’s issues will come together with common goals to pursue mutual decisions. As it was mentioned above, the stability is most important element which helps to maintain "public diplomacy". U.S. military should not be recognized as a threat to citizens or to common well being of Africa's people, it must to be accepted as indicator which detects antagonism.