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The United States Central Command, United States Africa Command, and United States Special Operations Command.
Testimony by David Rodriguez, Commander, U. S. Africa Command
U.S. Senate Documents
INTRODUCTION
Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to update you on the efforts of United States Africa Command. For the past three years, I have been honored to command the men and women of Africa Command. Since its inception in 2007, the command continues to pursue the objectives of strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, trade, and investment, advancing peace and security, and promoting opportunity and development throughout Africa.
Africa is an enduring interest for the United States, and its importance will continue to increase as African economies, population, and influence grow. Relatively small but wise investments in African security institutions today offer disproportionate benefits to Africa, Europe, and the United States in the future, creating mutual opportunities and reducing the risks of destabilization, radicalization, and persistent conflict. Our engagement now can assist our African partners in realizing their potential and gaining the capability to solve African problems. African solutions to African problems are, in the long run, in the best interest of Africans, Americans, and indeed the world.
In an effort to produce the greatest impact with the available resources, this year we updated the command's Theater Strategy and Theater Campaign Plan. Our approach employs security force assistance and exercises as decisive efforts to build partner capacity. We use military operations to create the conditions for our partners to develop the capacity they need, and we use engagements across the continent as well as our posture, presence, and agreements to sustain our efforts in Africa. These efforts expose our African partners to our values and capabilities, model military professionalism and proficiency, and inspire them to pursue excellence in their own institutions.
Our command approach is synchronized and focused, relying upon regional cooperation and close coordination with a host of partners. United States Africa Command, along with our diplomatic, defense, and development partners is helping to build African institutions capable of deterring the spread of extremism, protecting their populations, enabling economic prosperity, and expanding the rule of law and human rights.
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT
Africa is complex and dynamic. In 2010,...