Move AFRICOM to Africa

Published: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 10:00 am

AFRICOM's Location: A Strategic Imperative for U.S. Engagement in Africa

The United States' military presence in Africa, coordinated by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is a critical component of U.S. foreign policy. While the U.S. seeks to avoid direct involvement in African conflicts, the command's role in deterring threats and supporting local partners is undeniable. AFRICOM's current location in Stuttgart, Germany, however, presents strategic challenges that warrant reconsideration.

AFRICOM's mission encompasses a range of activities, including advising African partners on military capabilities, deploying drones to counter terrorism and weapons smuggling, and providing humanitarian aid. The command's presence is seen as vital in preventing power vacuums that could be exploited by extremist groups. The current location, however, is not ideal.

The text highlights the vastness and diversity of the African continent, home to 54 recognized countries. Despite this, AFRICOM is based in Europe, far from the operational theater. This necessitates complex travel arrangements, adding time and expense to operations. The original debate about AFRICOM's location in 2008 considered several African nations, but ultimately, concerns about regional rivalries and logistical challenges led to the selection of Stuttgart.

The author argues that the current arrangement is suboptimal. The text suggests that a location within Africa would enhance the command's effectiveness and understanding of the region. Potential host countries are mentioned, including Cabo Verde, Somaliland, Namibia, Botswana, and Rwanda, all of which are considered stable and pro-Western. The author emphasizes that the U.S. cannot afford to ignore Africa, given its strategic importance in the 21st-century economy, particularly regarding resources like gas, lithium, uranium, and rare earths.

The text concludes by suggesting that the current location hinders the U.S.'s ability to understand and engage with Africa effectively. The author implies that the command's personnel are disconnected from the local culture and realities.

BNN's Perspective:

Relocating AFRICOM to Africa is a complex issue with potential benefits and risks. While a physical presence on the continent could enhance operational effectiveness and signal a stronger commitment to the region, careful consideration must be given to the selection of a host nation. The chosen location should be stable, pro-Western, and strategically advantageous. A well-planned relocation could improve U.S. influence and understanding of the continent, but it must be executed thoughtfully to avoid unintended consequences.

Keywords: AFRICOM, Africa, military, strategy, foreign policy, security, terrorism, diplomacy, location, Stuttgart, Germany, Cabo Verde, Somaliland, Russia, China, resources, influence, U.S. military, defense, humanitarian aid

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