Quick Links
news/2007/11/ap_nigeria_071119
Nigeria won’t house AfriCom
Posted : Monday Nov 19, 2007 12:49:49 EST
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria won’t host the U.S. military’s new Africa-wide military command, taking Africa’s most populous nation and a top source of American oil imports out of contention.
Nigerian leaders have been vocal critics of the new U.S. military command for Africa, which is seeking a home on the world’s poorest continent. The government made its position official Monday as President Umaru Yar’Adua met with state governors and federal lawmakers.
Nigeria is also against the U.S. command basing its headquarters elsewhere in West Africa, where the country of 140 million is a military and diplomatic heavyweight, said Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki, who announced the government’s position after the meeting.
U.S. military officials couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
The U.S. has said it aims to better protect America’s strategic interest in Africa and assist African countries with military training and conflict prevention. But a number of African countries — including Libya and South Africa — have expressed reservations about a move that could signal an expansion of U.S. influence on the continent and may focus primarily on protecting oil interests.
AfriCom currently operates out of existing U.S. bases on the continent with a headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. War-wracked Liberia, settled by freed American slaves in the 1800s, is the only African nation that has publicly offered to host a headquarters.
Digg
Contests and Promotions
Win A Timex Ironman® Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner Watch
Enter and WIN...The Timex Ironman Triathlon Bodylink Trail Runner is ideal for monitoring your heart rate and distance when running or to use as a GPS device.
Marketplace
Military Times Gear Shop
COOLMAX Extreme S S ShirtThis COOLMAX® short-sleeve shirt reduce skin temperature while offering excellent moisture management properties.
Price: $10.99
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






