Insecurity: US Finally Reacts to Buhari's Request to Relocate AFRICOM to Africa
- The US has ruled out the possibility of relocating its Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Germany to Africa at the moment as President Buhari requested
- A response issued by the United States Department of Defence’ Pentagon indicates that the cost of making such a move is huge
- The Pentagon, however, said it appreciates Buhari’s recognition of the US’ positive contribution to African peace and security
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The United States has said it has no immediate plan to relocate its Africa Command (AFRICOM) from its current base in Germany to Africa despite the worsening state of insecurity in the continent.
According to a report filed by The Punch, the US made the statement in reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari's request for the relocation of AFRICOM to Africa to assist Nigeria and other neighbouring countries to combat worsening terrorism, banditry and other security crises.
Source: Getty Images
Legit.ng recalls that the Nigerian president made the plea in a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Tuesday, April 27.
AFRICOM is the US military headquarters that oversees its operations in Africa.
Reacting to President Buhari's request on Thursday, May 6, the US government ruled out any plan to relocate AFRICOM from its current base in Germany to Nigeria or any part of Africa at the moment.
The United States Department of Defence’ Pentagon explained that previous studies have shown that the cost of relocating AFRICOM to Africa is very huge.
Nevertheless, the Pentagon said although it would continue to value Nigeria and other countries in Africa as important partners.
The spokesperson of the US Pentagon, Ms Cindi King, was quoted to have said:
“It would be inappropriate to speculate on any future actions. However, at this time, moving this headquarters (AFRICOM HQ) to Africa is not part of any plans, but USAFRICOM’s commitment to their mission, our African and other partners, remains as strong today as when we launched this command more than a decade ago."
She added:
“We greatly value the partnership with Nigeria and appreciate President Buhari’s recognition of the United States’ positive contribution to African peace and security, as well as other regional partners that have made similar past pronouncements. The United States remains committed to continuing our close partnership with African countries and organisations to promote security and stability.”
Nigerians react on social media
Anthony Egide said:
"Too late to cry when the head is off. We earlier rejected this offer from the US now we are running with cap in hand begging them to relocate to Nigeria, shameful, Buhari."
Chris Chukwuchebe said:
"Good response to Buhari. It is high time for this people in power to wake up and face reality. You can't create Insecurity and then ask another country to come and fight for you."
Oladapo Abiodun James said:
"Pentagon you are not a good mathematician, you don't calculate well. People are dying here day and night you are there talking trash. Pentagon think well"
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Shehu Sani speaks
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna Central, told President Buhari that he made a wrong call over his request for the relocation of AFRICOM to Africa.
According to Sani, Buhari's invitation for AFRICOM’s relocation to Africa is an open invitation for the recolonisation of the continent.
The former lawmaker said other foreign players will follow suit leading to the military Balkanisation of the continent.
Source: Legit.ng
