U.S. Policy & Issues
War on Terrorism in Africa |
| An American special forces soldier teaches military tactics to soldiers from the Malian Army in Timbuktu, Mali, as part of the Pan Sahel Initiative. (Photo: United States Air Force) |
The United States has defined its interest as a world that is more secure, democratic, and prosperous. We believe that those conditions can best be achieved through open societies and free market economies. Political instability, poverty and geographic remoteness could allow terrorist organizations to operate, recruit and strategize within and across African borders. So the United States is partnering with countries there to provide stability and security for their populations to prevent that from occurring.
We have a responsibility to protect Americans from terrorist threats in Africa and from Africa. The memory of the bombings of our embassies in Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam is still fresh. In providing that protection, we also expect that our efforts will strengthen African governments and regional organizations in their abilities to protect Africans, for example by impeding the flow of terrorism finances, improving border and airport security, and reforming judicial systems. Our highest priority is the Horn of Africa, but we are also implementing in West Africa the Trans-Saharan Counter-Terrorism Initiative in which six countries, mainly in the Sahel, are participating. These activities not only seek to interdict terrorism, but also to address the root causes of terrorism by fostering development, education, and democratic institutions.
U.S. Policies
