By Scott A. Morgan
Recently the President of Nigeria was in Washington, D.C. The objective of this meeting was to hold bilateral discussions with President Bush regarding several areas of mutual interest. Some of the items covered were Regional Security and whether or not Nigeria would host the forward base for the New US African Command (AFRICOM).
Nigeria has been steadfast in its refusal to host the Command. Before the meetings in Washington there were several reports that the Nigerians were not happy because they felt that someone not in a senior position was giving the briefings. There were also concerns that the US may be militarizing the continent for its own agenda. Since 9/11 the United States has placed greater scrutiny on West Africa due to the rise of miltiants in the region.
Now the reemerging nation of Liberia has stated that it will host the Command. There are historical ties between the United States and Liberia. The nation of Liberia was founded by slaves who had gained their freedom after their time in bondage. After returning to Africa they set up what was for the most part a stable country until the 1980s.
After the assasination of President Tolbert Liberia slipped into anarchy and civil war for more than 20 years. Elections last year resulted in a peaceful transition of power and hope.
If the US Places AFRICOM in Liberia what will the benefits be? At the very least the infrastructure that has been demolished by roughly two decades of internal strife will be repaired. At the very least bridges and roads are in dire need of repair at this time. And the state of Water Treatment and other faciliites can also be upgraded rather quickly with US assistance. Also if there is a problem in the region the US can deploy forces to the flashpoint rapidly.
The downside of having US Forces in the region is that it will paint a huge bullseye on the country. Al-Qaida has already struck two US Embassies in Africa in 1998. And US forces did clash with islamist militias in Somalia back in 1993. The Battle of Mogadishu was discussed in the excellent book Black Hawk Down. An increased US presence could lead to US personel being kidnapped for financial profit as well. Who knows what other problems that US forces will create?
As Liberia reemerges from its recent violent past there have been some old problems that have been emerging once again. There have been allegations of corruption against members of the last transitional government and there has been a crackdown against some radio stations. These are expected to be seen as the country moves along towards a democratic governance and stability. Could having American soldiers there be a positive influence in the region?
Photo: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia.
*The author, Scott Morgan, is a Contributing Editor to the American Chronicle (www.americanchronicle.com) and is the Publisher of Confused Eagle which is at morganrights.tripod.com
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